Cora Jean Perez Obituary
Cora Jean Perez left us on Saturday, April 12th. Cora Jean, who faced more than her share of illness during the past forty years, was disinterested in her mortality. She was not ready to go, and tried, with all of her significant might, to stay. However, in the end, the impossible happened; the indefatigable Cora Jean agreed to rest, and rejoined her husband of almost 60 years, who had preceded her in 2021.
Jean was born to Gunnar and Vera (nee Chidester) Skjolaas, who raised her and her seven siblings on a farm in Stoughton, Wisconsin. Jean did not enjoy detasseling corn in the bright sun or stripping tobacco during humid Wisconsin summers, but because her brothers, Howard, Merle, and Russell and her sisters, Ruth, Millie, Bonnie, and Selma worked alongside her, she remembered those times fondly.
At age 18, Jean left the farm and spent time learning and working in Minneapolis, Washington D.C., and Milwaukee. Eventually, Jean settled down with her lifelong love, Richard Perez, who was certain that the sun revolved around her. Not long after, she began the mission of her life- taking care of children. At this she was unparalleled.
Jean was born to be a mom. She mothered six children, (Patrick, Steven, Pamela, Paula, Lisa, Teresa), a husband, five grandchildren (Abigail [Robert], Rebecca, Alison, Josephine, and Jessica), sons and daughters in law (Elissa, Julie, David, Paul), numerous nieces and nephews, friends of her children who crossed her path, and in her heart, every troubled child she ever saw or heard of.
Nothing made Jean more disconsolate than seeing children who were troubled. Nothing made her more puzzled and angry than hearing of cruelty to a child. And nothing brought her more joy than the sound and sight of happy and thriving children.
All who were nurtured and fed by Cora Jean's love (and amazing food- That chili! That potato salad!) are immeasurably better and fitter humans for it. Their loss is great, but their gain at having Cora Jean as Mom, Wife, Grandma, Aunt is greater. She will be so missed, but can rest now, knowing that her mission has been accomplished.
Donations in honor of Cora Jean, who was proud to be the daughter and daughter-in-law of immigrants, may be made to Catholic Charities Refugee and Immigrant Services Program (https://risccmke.org), Kids Matter Inc., and Agrace Hospice Care Finally, Cora Jean's children would like to thank the many nursing staff members at Trinity Woods who helped them help Jean through her final months. Jean's children also extend their deep gratitude to Amy of Care Partners and to Agrace Hospice, especially Michelle and Charlotte, who together cared for Jean as capably and tenderly as Jean cared for so many others.
A mother is she who can take the place of all others, but whose place no one else can take. -Cardinal Gaspard Mermillod.
A memorial observance will take place on Saturday, April 26th at Trinity Woods, 9525 West Burleigh Street. (Enter from Burleigh) Visitation 12:00-1:00 Service 1:00 (Trinity Woods Chapel). Refreshments to follow in Trinity Woods dining room.
