Obituary of Ana Lydia Perez

Perez, Ana Lydia Rochester, NY: Thursday, February 7th. 90 years old. Predeceased by her parents, Alfonsa Flores and Luis Velez; step-father, Luis Melendez; sister, Violeta Melendez; husband, Felix Perez; son, Benjamin Flores. Survived by her children, Ramon Perez (Nancy), Maria McKnight (Jacob), Luis A. Perez (Pamela), Ana Santiago (Marcos), Carmen Delia Figueroa, Carmen Luz Perez-Rolon (Antonio), Cristino Perez (Norma), Ida Perez; 19 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren, over 30 God-children. Ana Lydia Flores was born April 29, 1922 in Cayey, Puerto Rico. In 1948 she married Felix Perez, and in 1953 came with her family to start a new life in Rochester. Her gift of hospitality and the cooking of traditional Puerto Rican cuisine made her an unwittingly pioneer for those new to the country or just in need of a family. Her unwavering positive attitude, infused by her faith in God, gave hope to many facing a new culture, language barriers, racism, and overall difficult conditions. In 2000 she was selected by the March of Dimes as a Mother of the Year for her child-rearing and marriage expertise. The Perez family extends sincere appreciation and gratitude to the Leo Center for Caring for their incredible facility, professionalism, and genuine care. In lieu of flowers monetary donations can be made to the Ibero Early Childhood Services or St. Francis Xavier Cabrini, memo: Sister Regis Food Ministry. Family and friends may attend calling hours Friday, February 8th from 5:00-9:00pm at Falvo Funeral Home, 1395 Goodman St N, Rochester, NY 14609. On Saturday, February 9th please join the family at 11 AM in at Our Lady of the Americas Church, 864 Main Street East, Rochester NY 14605 for the Celebration of her Funeral Mass. Interment at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.