Melinda Perez

Melinda Perez passed away on Saturday, September 14, 2013 at the early age of 36. She was a special young lady and loved by all who knew her. We were blessed for 36 years to have and enjoy a beautiful daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, cousin, "aunt," friend, socialite and confidante. She lived life to its fullest traveling with family, friends and her four-legged companion, Rooney. She had so much to teach others about her love of science, medicine, the many books she read, skiing in New Mexico, shopping, movies, sports and fitness. Meli was a friend to everyone; she was very generous, enjoyed and deeply loved her family, friends, and the countless students she influenced and cheered on as a United High School Science teacher, department head, National Honor Society sponsor, sports spectator and tutor. We have so much to remember her by - she was our cheerleader, our homecoming queen, our Texas A&M Aggie.

Thanks to the very responsive 911 team, the emergency room personnel and ICU-East at LMC with special thanks to Sandra Espinoza, the attending nurse who never left her side. A note of special thanks to Priscilla Salinas for her tremendous support and always being an angel to our family and a heartfelt thank you to Mary Cortez and Chris Garcia. Finally, a BIG thank you and hug to Melinda's United High School family.

She is preceded in death by her maternal grandparents:-Manuel and Concepcion Arredondo and by her paternal grandparents: Alfonso and Josefa Perez, Sr.

Melinda is survived by her parents: Carlos and Elia Perez; siblings: Cristina (Jorge) Rodriguez and Charlie (Jackie) Perez; aunts and uncles: Sipriana (+Pablo) Albidrez, Connie (Roel) Vela, Alfonso (Cynthia) Perez, Jr., Eloy (Helen) Perez, Linda Rosa Perez, Lauro (Dora) Perez and Jaime (Elvalicia) Perez.-She is further survived by many cousins, other beloved relatives and many friends.

Pallbearers will be:-Charlie Perez, Jorge Rodriguez, Roel Vela, Bobby Vela, Rolando Vela, Joey Gamez, Joey Gamez III and Pablo Esteban Gamez.

Honorary Pallbearers will be:-Crissy Perez Rodriguez, Jackie Marin Perez, Becky Albidrez Gamez, Patty Albidrez, Roxy Vela, Diana Pedraza, Vanessa Palumbo and Jackie de Los Santos.