Maria (Garcia) Perez

Maria Perez, age 87 of East Chicago, IN passed away Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at home surrounded by her loved ones.  She is survived by 8 children: Rose (Roberto) Soto, Anita (late Ted) Kolivas, Peter Sanchez, late Paula (Edwin) Lopez, Victor (Veronica) Sanchez, Diane (Jaime) Barragan, Raymond Sanchez, and Daniel (Anna) Sanchez; 16 grandchildren, 38 great grandchildren, and 6 siblings; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.  Preceded in death by her parents, Filipe and Pauline Gonzalez; first husband, Lupe Sanchez; second husband, Gregorio Perez; children and grandchildren, Benjamin Sanchez, Lola Sanchez, Paula Lopez, Carmelo Lopez, and Nadia Huizar.

Maria was born to Filipe and Pauline Gonzalez on September 16, 1938.  She was one of seven children.  She married Lupe Sanchez and together they brought 10 children into the world.  Later in life after the death of her husband, she remarried Gregorio Perez.  She was a long-time resident of the Marktown Community.  She was a member of the Hijos De Borinquen Association, and a retiree of St. Catherine Hospital where she worked for 19 years.  She loved Spanish music, novelas, dancing, and her two dogs “Suzy” and “Candy”.  She lived a long beautiful life surrounded by family and friends.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at 12:00 noon at the FIFE FUNERAL HOME, 4201 Indianapolis Blvd., East Chicago, IN with Rev. Terry Steffens officiating.  Burial to follow at St. John Cemetery, Hammond, IN.  Visitation at the FIFE FUNERAL HOME will be from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon on Tuesday morning.

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