Mary Perez Butterfly

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our Aunt Mary Butterfly, on May 1, 2020, at 8:30 a.m, in Huntington Beach, California. She passed away as a result of Coronavirus complications. She was 90 years old and the last living child of Bessie Pierite. She was sibling to John Perez (Deceased), Catherine Rivas (Deceased), David Rivas (Deceased), Gene Rivas (Deceased).

She is survived by her nieces and nephews, Bobby Perez, Michelle Richardson, Roxanne Hernandez, Michael Matamoras, Dante Matamoras, Joanie Arteta, Patricia Wright, Harry Ortiz, Maurice Ramirez, Madeline Love, David Rivas Jr, Donald Rivas, Daniel Rivas, Sue Chavez, Gary Cook, Jeana Boswell, Paula Rivas.

Her great-grand nieces and nephews include, Eric Perez, Alex Perez, John (beb) Perez, Timothy Manning, Liam Manning, Mave Richardson, Monica Perez, Allen Perez, Adrian Hernandez, Joseph Perez, Dominique Hernandez, Christina Matamoras, Loki Whiteowl, Bailey Arteta, Katie Arteta, Ethan Wright, Lil David Rivas III, Dakota Rivas, Dawson Rivas, Isabella Rivas, Dayton Rivas, Dantanio Rivas, Lil David Chavez, Bryan Boswell, Randy Cook.

Her great-great-grand nieces and nephews, Nevah Perez, Anastasia Perez, Isaiah Perez, Amaya Hernandez, Marcus Perez, Noah Cook, Harrison Cook, Malachai King, Liam Moreno and Xavier Moreno.

Mary lived a long life. She was hard working, independent and proud. Mary relished in sharing family memories and enjoyed reminiscing over some of her fonder growing up moments with her brother John and some of her cousins. Although, it was the loss of her mother Bessie Pierite and brother John Perez that would take its toll on her, and then later, her brother Gene Rivas, sister Catherine Rivas, brother David Rivas.

However, the greatest loss of all would prove to be her independence. It would toil at her soul when it came time to place her in an assisted care facility. It was a difficult decision for our family. For most that knew her she was feisty and strong willed. Mary challenged everyone at every turn, refusing to go down without a fight. She fought to the bitter end, but it would be the Coronavirus that would be too much for Auntie to overcome, surrendering to her demise.

Auntie would say, "When it was her time to go, the Good Lord would let her know".

Mary Butterfly was an Elder of strength, a true warrior in the complete sense of the word. She is flying high with all the beautiful angels and her Santo Niño in heaven where she will be reunited with her mom and siblings, as well as, Nephew Mark Perez and Great Niece Stephanie Perez who were all gone to soon.

We love you Auntie!
On behalf of our entire Perez-Rivas family


Arrangements are under the direction of Forest Lawn, Glendale, California.