In loving memory of Mrs. Tina (Ernestine) Cuellar Perez (Nov.17, 1925 – Jan. 13, 2012), beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend, preceded by her husband of 55 years Mr. Velmer Perez.
Tina was born in Kaufman to Betty and Manuel Cuellar but was a life-long Dallas area resident. As a Depression-era kid, she learned to always work hard and did that through her own hairstyling business then later with her husband in founding and managing a service business in Irving that is still operating today. An active community member throughout her life, Tina was a leader in her children’s Girl and Boy Scout troops, a Eucharistic minister at St. Luke, Irving, and St. Joseph’s, Coppell, supporter of Goodwill, PBS, the Kidney Foundation, the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary and through TACA worked on many fund-raising projects for arts organizations in Dallas. She did door-to-door fundraising for the first YMCA pool and swim team in Irving. She loved to dance, travel, and make new friends everywhere she went. She traveled all over the world, literally, with family and friends. She will always be remembered for her boundless spirit of adventure, hardworking nature, and high class style.
Through her love, generosity, and radiant spirit, she taught her family and all those who knew her to laugh easily, live life joyfully, and have faith in God. Survived by son Rick and wife Stefani Perez of Irving, daughter Denyc Perez, sisters Emily Chefchis and Roseann Cuellar Valdez, niece Cecilia and husband Wesley Witty, nephew Bob and wife Maggie Chefchis, and niece Liza Rozann Valdez, all of Dallas. She was “Gammy” to five grandchildren: Alicia and husband Dale Komarek of Haslet, , Julie and husband Mark Ross of Tyler, Ailea Sneller and husband Marshall Dispenza of Rockville, MD, Rico Sneller of Dallas, Gabe Sneller of New Orleans, LA; eight great grandchildren: Avery, Tyler, Drew, Jake, Katherine, Olivia, Samantha, and Audrey, whose birth brought Tina great joy just hours before her death; great nephews Zach Esparza of Dallas, and Byron and wife Lori Witty of Wylie; great–great nieces and nephew Thomas, Caroline and Allison, and many other family members and friends who have very fond memories of the many family events hosted by Tina. Memorials in her honor to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation are welcome.
A memorial service will be held at Treemont Retirement Community, 5550 Harvest Hill Rd, Dallas, TX, on Thursday, January 26, at 6 p.m. |
