Mary Carmen Perez

It is with profound love that we celebrate the extraordinary life of Mary Carmen Perez, who passed away peacefully, leaving behind a lasting legacy of strength, compassion, and determination.

Born on October 29, 1956, in Houston, Texas, Mary was the third youngest among eight siblings. Possessing a spirit that could move mountains, she pursued excellence throughout her life, earning a Bachelor of Science degree from San Diego State University and building a distinguished career as a Vice President Commercial Banker.

Mary had a unique ability to uplift everyone around her, effortlessly blending vibrant energy, genuine kindness, and gentle humor. She loved working at HEB, where she built strong relationships with many loyal customers who appreciated her warmth and dedication. After living in New Braunfels for 17 years, she developed a deep affection for the community and the beautiful surroundings that became her home.

Beyond her professional achievements, Mary was a passionate cyclist and dedicated runner, consistently inspiring others through her discipline and fighting spirit. Her love of music and poetry reflected a deep appreciation for life’s beauty and the transformative power of art. Mary dedicated years to genealogy, conducting research and investigations to piece together the Perez family ancestry. This involved countless discoveries, including registry records, document translations, and visits to various archives. She even aspired to write a book to capture all her findings, ensuring that her hard work and the stories of our family would be preserved for future generations.

An adventurer at heart, Mary left footprints across Texas, California, Hawaii, Mexico, Chicago, Florida, Louisiana, Washington, Washington DC, Cambodia, and Thailand. Whether cycling scenic trails, running marathons, or orchestrating joyful family gatherings, she embraced every moment with enthusiasm, grace, and elegance.

Mary is preceded in death by her parents, Pablo R Perez and Maria Ofelia Perez, and her brother Jose Perez. She is survived by her loving husband, Bernie Gutierrez, and her cherished son Marcus, his wife Helena and her grandson, Kody; her siblings, Sylvia Ellis, Ruben Perez, Sr, Linda Perez-Heyman (Greg), Robert Perez (Sandra), Trey Perez, and Elisa Perez; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Her legacy remains an enduring inspiration and a testament to a life courageously and beautifully lived.

Interment will be at Brookside Memorial Park in Houston, Texas.

2 Timothy 4:7-8
“I have fought the good fight,
I have finished the race,
I have kept the faith.
Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness.”

Pesacadores de Hombres. (Fishers of Men)
Lord, you have come to the seashore,
neither searching for the rich nor the wise,
desiring only that I should follow.

O, Lord, with your eyes set upon me,
gently smiling, you have spoken my name;
all I longed for I have found by the water,
at your side, I will seek other shores.