Tributes

Devoted mother, grandmother, great grandmother, Lilia went to the Lord on Sunday, April 24, 2011 after a long illness. Maria Lilia de Castro y Cancio was born in Havana, Cuba 95 years ago, to Rafael de Castro and Maria Cancio de Castro. Lilia, the youngest of three daughters, was preceded in death by her two sisters, Ana Graciela de Castro and Caridad Mrs. Octavio Machado. While still in her teens, Lilia married Manuel Perez Alfonso, at the time a Captain in the Cuban Army and 11 years her senior. They had three children, Manuel, Lilliam and Perla. Capt. Perez Alfonso had risen to the rank of Lt. Colonel, Chief of the Cuban Air Force, when an airplane crash claimed his life at the age of 36. Through hard work and strong Catholic faith, the young widow was able to raise and guide their children to responsible and productive adulthood. Always decisive, Lilia was among the first members of the family to leave Cuba in 1962, seeking to regain the freedom that had been lost, never looking back. At the proper time, she became a naturalized citizen of the United states, which she considered a high honor and a great moment in her life. In her new country, Lilia dedicated herself to the family, especially the grandchildren, whose lives she impacted with wisdom, generosity and love. Survivors include her three children, Manuel Perez wife, Glenda of Miami, Florida; Lilliam Mrs. Rodger Moon and Perla Mrs. Fermin Sarabia, of San Antonio. Grandchildren Richard, Alex wife, Elena and Carlos Perez, all of Miami; Anthony Sarabia, of San Antonio, Perla Maria husband, Paul Johnson of Richardson, Texas; Lilliam Maria Sarabia, and Patricia husband, Tim Wenzel of San Antonio, plus eight great-grandchildren, many loving friends and her beloved pets. SERVICES Visitation will begin at 5:00 PM today with a rosary to be recited at 7:00 PM at Oak Hills Mortuary. Services will be held at 10:00 AM Wednesday, April 27, 2011 in the Chapel at Holy Cross Cemetery where she will be laid to rest. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to do so may send memorial contributions to the Animal Defense League, 11300 Nacogdoches Road, San Antonio, Texas 78217. You may sign the on-line guest book at www.missionparks.com under the obituary section.

Tributes

Lilia Perez

April 25, 2011 - April 25, 2011