Rosario "Rosie" Perales

Rosie, 70, passed through the gates of heaven on August 1, 2018 after a courageous 5-year battle with breast cancer. Her daughter remained by her side until her passing. Rosie was born on May 8, 1948 in Brownsville, TX. She was the eldest daughter of Mateo and Santos Perales. She grew up in Corpus Christi. Rosie will always be remembered for her unbreakable spirit. She always kept a smile on her face despite her medical issues. She loved life. She was always "bien mona" with full make-up, hair, and fancy outfits. No ensemble was ever complete without her cowboy boots. Cooking was her passion, she could always be heard singing in the kitchen. Everyone loved her tamales and banana nut bread. Rosie made friends everywhere she went. She also enjoyed fishing until the early hours of the morning. Rosie never shyed away from hard work. She worked in the nursery at Spohn Hospital-Shoreline for 23 years. Then, she worked at Travis Elementary for 14 years. Even years later, she would remenice how her babies always wanted to hug "the lunch lady" before heading to the classroom. She went on to work at Lynnhaven and Alameda Oaks Nursing Homes.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her companion, Nicolas Sierra; her sister, Rosaura Perales; and her sister-in-law, Mary Lou Longoria Martinez.

Rosie is survived by her daughter, Maria Del Rosario Perales; her caring companion, Macario Baez; sisters, Raquel Rivera, Graciela Melchor, and Laura Quiroz; brothers, Richard and Reynaldo Perales.

We would like to give special thanks to Dr. Sehgal, Cristina, and Shawn of the Coastal Bend Cancer Center. Your commitment to patient care is extraordinary. Mom never felt like a scared patient going in for treatments, but rather a person going to see her friends. Thank you to all of her friends at the Valencia Bingo. Sometimes the best part of her day was being able to yell, BINGO! A big thank you to the ladies at Ben F. McDonald Library, you always made her feel like family.

“I love you, Mamita. Thank you for being the best mother anyone could ask for. I feel blessed to have been part of your journey.”

A private service was held. If you would like to honor Rosie's memory, live as she did--with a smile. Sing in the morning, do what makes you happy, and always be grateful for every day you're given.

Cremation has been entrusted to Trevino Funeral Home.