Mrs. Matilde (Galarza) Perez

UTICA – Mrs. Matilde (Galarza) Perez, age 99, passed away peacefully and went to be with her beautiful Lord on Thursday, April 30, 2026. Matilde was born in Maricao, Puerto Rico on October 5, 1926, to the late Nicolas and Herminia (Paneto) Galarza and spent her childhood on the island. In June of 1946, she was united in holy matrimony with Justino P. Perez. They were simply perfect for each other, each possessing unique traits that complemented the other. The couple relocated to the Utica area in 1950 to join family who had already established themselves here, where they resided thereafter. They shared a beautiful and remarkable 56-year marriage prior to Justino’s passing on May 29, 2002. A loyal woman and good worker, Matilda held employments with Mele Manufacturing Company as a machine operator for 33 years, from which she retired. She was a quiet and devoted woman with a loving heart who never failed to overcome life’s obstacles. Selfless in nature, she was always ready to lend her heart and hands to those in need. Her bright smile reflected her kindness, and she was ever thoughtful, keeping others at the forefront of her mind and remembering even the smallest details of their lives. A true matriarch, her family was the center of everything she did. She was well known for her skills in the kitchen, especially her Spanish and Italian dishes prepared for Sunday dinners. She also loved to sew and expressed her love through the crafts she shared with others. A member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, she was deeply spiritual. Matilde is survived by her daughters, Maria Irma Santiago, Milagros “Millie” Lora, and Miriam Perez; grandchildren, Maria Louise, Yvette, Gina Marie, Zaida, Christopher and David and his wife April; her seven special great-grandchildren; and siblings, Ramonita Martinez, Gloria Vasquez, Haide Vasquez, and Leonitis Galarza. During her life, she cherished the memories of her siblings who preceded her, Cecilia Pacheco, Nilda Galarza, Hector Galarza, Hermino Galarza, Luis Galarza, and two infant sisters. She is additionally survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins; and her cherished friends and neighbors, Rosita and Valentin Colon, and Maria and Chelino Garcia, who always checked in on her and even took her shopping. The Perez family is grateful to the staff of the Utica Rehabilitation and Nursing Center for their care and compassion. Visitation will be held on Monday, May 11 2026, from 2:00-3:00 p.m. at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Matilde’s funeral service and Celebration of life will commence at 3:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will take place in St. Agnes Cemetery.

Mrs. Matilde (Galarza) Perez

October 5, 1926 - April 30, 2026