Perez, Pilar G.
Pilar G. Perez, age 75, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 26th, 2020 with her sons and daughter-in-law by her side.
She was born October 1st, 1944 in Pazos, Galicia, Spain to Francisco Perez and Rosa Gonzalez. She and her twin were the youngest in a family of 8 children.
At the age of 16 Pilar moved to Paris, France to become a nanny. She sent back her earnings to help support her family in Galicia. At the age of 21 Pilar immigrated to Montreal, Canada. Her two sons were born and raised in Montreal until they moved to Calgary in 1981. She took on the task of learning English and worked hard at various jobs until she joined the Eau Claire YMCA in 1989. She was on staff for over 21 years at the YMCA and built many life-long friendships. After retirement in 2010 she continued to spend time at the YMCA volunteering and taking classes.
She was a loving and wonderful mother who diligently provided for her sons and was an encouragement to them. Pilar was a loving grandmother who enjoyed spending time with her grandsons.
Pilar loved to spend time with her friends, and often spent the summer hiking and picnicking with them. She enjoyed walking and biking along the Bow River in Prince's Island and along the pathways in Confederation Park.
She loved hosting family and friends and was best known for her Spanish flans and paellas.
Pilar's faith was an important part of who she was. She was active in her church.
She lived on her own and led an active lifestyle until she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2017. For the next three years she lived in care facilities where she continued to enjoy dancing, socializing and participating in daily programs. She was known for her sweet and friendly demeanour and beautiful smile.
Pilar is survived by her two sons and their wives Javier and Kelley Martinez and Victor and Olga Martinez; her three grandchildren, Isaac, Caleb and Dominic Martinez. All of these she loved and touched deeply.
Please join us in celebrating her life in the Chapel at Centre Street Church (3900 – 2 Street NE, Calgary, AB) on Monday, March 9, 2020 at 11:00 am. There will be a reception to follow the Service and a private family internment will take place.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Pilar’s memory to the Bethany Care Foundation
To view and share photos, condolences and stories of Pilar, please visit www.choicememorial.com.