Leticia Jose Perez
October 24, 1931 — August 23, 2022
Leticia “Letty” Perez of Chester, New York passed peacefully on August 23rd at the age of 90 surrounded by loved ones. Leticia was born on October 24th 1931 in Manila, Philippines to Felipe Jose and Justiniana Bagtas.
Letty was resilient. A woman of beauty, elegance and intelligence. During her teenage years, she was selected as the town’s queen in the revered Santacruzan Festival, honoring the Holy Cross. She would later be chosen as Miss Collegiate during her studies at the National Teacher’s College in Manila. After graduation, she became an elementary school teacher.
On April 3rd 1950, Letty married Dominador R. Perez, a certified public accountant from Sta Maria, Bulacan and they had four children together – Rebecca Manansala, Dominador Perez Jr., Eduardo Perez and Veronica Grimm. After Dominador’s passing, Letty moved to San Francisco California in March of 1985 and began working as an administrator at an elderly facility in Chatsworth California.
Letty enjoyed ballroom dancing, playing the piano and looking after her plants. She was always the most colorful and vibrant person in the room, often accessorizing her elegant outfit with a trademark hat or scarf. Her smile made you feel like home, and she would always have something nice to say about you. She knew how to immediately lift your spirits and a calming presence was always apparent. Letty’s grandchildren frequently enjoyed her signature back scratches. Letty was a kind-hearted, selfless and generous soul. Letty would not hesitate to help anyone in need, often offering a lending hand however she could. Above all else, she was a woman of strong faith and always dedicated time to worship. God was her foundation and she took pride in instilling these principles in her family.
Letty was predeceased by her parents, siblings Carding, Vicente, Felipe, Naning, Natividad, Marina, son Eduardo Perez, son-in-law Edgardo Manansala and daughter-in-law Julie Perez. She is survived by her children, Rebecca Manansala, Dominador Perez Jr., daughter-in-law Rachel Perez, Veronica and husband Kurt Grimm. She leaves behing seven grandchildren – Ruth Anne Manansala-Kong, Noekka Bartolome, Katarina Bianca and husband Evan Gray, Kurt Grimm III, Samantha Perez, Kyle Grimm and Derek Grimm. She also leaves behind four great grandchildren – Anna, Adrian, and Coco Kong and Stella Bianca Gray.