"Grace Perea" Maria Graciola Maestas Perea

It is with overwhelming grief that we announce the passing of Maria Graciola Maestas Perea AKA Grace M. Perea after a struggle with dementia. She was carried by angels to the waiting arms of her Savior Jesus Christ on Thursday, August 4, 2022. It broke our hearts to lose you on the day God called you home, for your wings were waiting for you to join God’s Angels in Heaven.

Grace was born on Monday, November 7, 1932, in Llaves, NM to Juan and Maria Beronis (Arellano) Maestas. The Maestas family moved to Corrales in 1946, where Grace and her family have lived until present date. She married Jesus Perea of Corrales in 1950 and they were blessed with three daughters, Theresa, Shirley and Annabelle.

Grace is now in the presence of those who preceded her in death, her parents, husband, brothers, Phil Maestas, Isidoro Maestas, Emilio Maestas, Adolfo Maestas and Jose Maestas; sisters, Ernestine Trujillo and Susie Mendoza; daughters, Theresa Atkerson and Shirley Lucero; granddaughter, Kathy Lucero and her unborn son; and her great-granddaughter, Noel Stevens.

For those of us left behind, our hearts ache with sadness. As our tears fall, no one knows the depth of this loss. She was more than just a mom; she was the heart and soul of the family. Grace was the one who kept the family together.

Grace’s passing is a great loss in particular to her devoted daughter, Annabelle Aguilar (Frank) of Littleton, CO; her loving grandchildren, Robert Atkerson (Andrea) of Corrales, NM; Melissa Zamora (Carlos) of Longmont, CO; Yvette Stevens of Albuquerque, NM and Heather Flores (Jesse) of Aurora, CO; her six adoring great-grandchildren, Ashley Lucero (Enrique), Zachary Atkerson (Crista), Julia Zamora, Joshua Stevens, Maya Stevens and Chloe Zamora; her great-great granddaughter, Scarlett Lucero; her siblings, Jeanna Gallegos, Reyes Maestas (Anita), Delfina Gallegos (Erasmo) and Ramon Maestas. She is also survived by her two aunts, Rose Cordova and Pat Eichholtz; many cousins, nephews, nieces and other relatives and friends she made in her lifetime.

Grace was respected by everyone who took the time to know her. These people knew immediately that she was a very special person. Throughout her career she worked for Dr. Arthur Wershaw (now deceased) for 12 years and for Dr. William Anderson for over 29 years. Grace was a member of the San Ysidro Catholic Church in Corrales. She loved nurturing and caring for everyone, cooking, and baking, visiting with loved ones, and gambling at the casino.

Visitation for Grace will be held Wednesday, August 10, 2022, at San Ysidro Church, 5015 Corrales Road in Corrales from 5:00 pm with the Rosary being recited by Dolores Tafoya at 6:00 pm. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Father McGowan on Thursday, August 11, 2022 at San Ysidro Church in Corrales at 10:00 am and interment following at the San Ysidro Parish Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will follow at the Church Hall of San Ysidro Catholic Church.

Pallbearers will be Reyes Maestas, Mitchell Maestas, Gerald Arellano, Stacy Archuleta, Rudy Lucero and Jesse Flores. Honorary pallbearer is Francis Lucero.

To grandson, Robert, a very heartfelt thank you for being there when we needed you the most. To the staff at Casa Subina, thank you for the loving care given to our beloved Grace and allowing her to pass with peace and dignity.