Obituary of Beatrice C Perez

She was known for her generosity, compassion and selflessness. And her baking. Beatrice Calvo Perez died Jan. 31, 2017, from complications related to cancer. She was 90. Better known as Bea, she was a strong-willed, fun-loving, energetic woman of faith who successfully raised five children and was a devoted wife for 36 years to Ricardo Victor Perez, who died in 1990. A native of the island of Guam, she balanced a strong family life with a part-time career in nursing and teaching. Among her strongest attributes were her selflessness and generosity. Bea always put others – especially family – before herself. She never wanted people to make a fuss over her and was much happier when she was doing something to help others, whether caring for a sick relative, preparing a feast for a family gathering or babysitting her many grandchildren. Even when Bea was close to death, her desire to help and give of herself was evident. As she lay in bed, so weak she could barely lift her head, Bea frequently would ask her children what she could cook for dinner that evening. Bea put God and family above all else. She was a devoted mother and wife, sacrificing her career so she could concentrate on the family. She transported her five children to sports events, dance recitals, birthday parties, school activities and the like, made costumes from scratch, helped with homework, nursed injuries and prepared food for whatever gathering – and there were many – that was next on the social calendar. She was happily married to her college sweetheart, Ricardo, better known as Ricky, whom she met while going to school in Michigan. They got married in 1954 in a small ceremony in Ann Arbor. When Ricky retired from his job as a Navy comptroller after several heart attacks, Bea became basically a full-time caregiver, managing his medications, getting him to appointments and tending to his many medical needs, which increased in 1982 after he became the first Chamorro to have a heart transplant. Her nursing training served her well. And despite the many responsibilities and long days she assumed as caregiver and homemaker, she never complained. Her devotion, faith and affection for her husband survived even his death. Over the ensuing 27 years, she never remarried and wouldn’t even date other men. Their affection was shown in countless ways. In one common scene in the Perez household, Ricky would rest his head on her lap while they watched TV, with Bea gently stroking his hair as they laughed and talked over the din of the television. Their love and commitment to each other served as lifelong lessons for their children. Bea showed the same commitment and devotion to the church. She was a faithful follower of Catholicism and ensured that the family regularly attended services, received the sacraments and led lives marked by strong character, morals, compassion and devotion. Other defining characteristics were her discipline and determination. She relentlessly pursued her goals and didn’t let obstacles and setbacks deter her. “She was a force of nature,” one of her daughters-in-law said. One prime example was getting her college degree. Bea interrupted that pursuit to raise a family and help her husband in his accounting career. But she never gave up on her desire to get a diploma. Once her children were grown, Bea enrolled at the University of Guam, and in 1980 she was awarded a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. She was 54. She accepted her diploma with a huge smile – and was probably the proudest graduate among the class. That determination and a tenacious work ethic were evident in her everyday activities. She never did anything just half way. Even as walking became more difficult for her, she would continue to go on her daily strolls, doing laps in the hallways of her apartment complex, assisted with her walker. When she made pies to bring to parties, she didn’t make just one or two. She made half a dozen or more, using pie stackers to hold them all. And she didn’t just think of those at the party. Bea would make more than enough for the gathering – plus extra to uphold the Chamorro tradition of balutan (packing food for visitors to take to their own homes). With such values, Bea essentially was the glue that held the family together. And she was genuinely appreciative when others did something for her. Each time a caregiver would help her dress or take her vital signs in her final weeks, she never failed to say thank you. That was part of her DNA. It was also part of her DNA to instill discipline in her kids, showing by example. They could not leave their rooms untidy, their beds unmade and unwashed dishes in the sink. Bea never was one to shy away from a good time, though. She loved to go to parties, especially in her later years, when she had more time for herself. Halloween was one of her favorite holidays. She would dress to the hilt. Among her costumes: McDonald’s french fries, a jailbird and a nun. One of her favorite pastimes was playing bingo. While she had fun doing that, she played with a singular mission: to be the first to shout “Bingo!” It wouldn’t be unusual for her to purchase 10 to 12 cards at a time in her younger days. At one of the assisted living facilities where she lived later in life, bingo cards cost $1 each. Bea bought as many as six each game. But her fellow octogenarians, who purchased only two or three, complained. The facility subsequently implemented a new rule: No one could purchase more than four cards per game. Bea let others know she wasn’t happy about the new rule. Baking was another favored pastime. Bea was known on Guam for her fina’ mames, or desserts. She was regularly asked to make them for local village fiestas. Some of her signature dishes included pumpkin pie, latiya (a Chamorro dessert) and German chocolate cake. For the latter, her kids used to argue over who would get to lick the frosting spoon after she was done baking! Bea was one of 18 children born to Felix and Antonia Calvo. She grew up on Guam, an island where family and faith served as the foundation of the Chamorro culture. Bea helped in the family bakery and store, was crowned a Guam Liberation Day queen in 1948 and later went on to become a Chamorro language teacher in public and private schools. Bea's faith helped comfort her during her final days. She enjoyed listening to Catholic hymns as she lay in bed or sat in a wheelchair in her room. Each night as she fell asleep, her family played a recording of the rosary in Chamorro. On the day of her passing, Bea listened to a medley of Chamorro songs and hymns. Just before she died, several of her children surrounded her bed and sang “I am the Bread of Life.” They finished the song with the final line: “And I will raise him up on the last day.” Moments later, Bea took her final breath. A memorial Mass for Beatrice Calvo Perez will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 11, at Christ the King Catholic Church, 4925 S. Torrey Pines Dr., in Las Vegas, NV. Lunch will follow at the church social hall. A graveside burial service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 14, at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 22555 Cristo Rey Dr., in Los Altos, CA, where she will be laid to rest next to her late husband. Lunch will follow at a nearby restaurant. Bea is survived by her five children, 15 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and five siblings. The survivors include: Children and spouses: Richard and Katherine Perez (Rachel, Hannah, Heather) Robert and Betty Perez (Justin, Christine, Caleb) Nora Garces (Nicole Roberto and Andrew Borja {Aleya, Riley}; Kiera and Christopher Bolisay {Hayley}; Ricarda and Daniel Roberto; Jacob and Ashley Garces {Baby G}) Lisa and Kenneth Bautista (Kelly Bautista and Armando Ortiz {Zackery, Kylie, Kyle, Kameron, Armando Jr.}; Tricia Bautista {Tayjah, Wayden}; Kenneth Jr. and Kristal Luce {Kenneth III}) Timothy Perez (Frank, Jacqueline) Siblings: Antonio Calvo; Maria Biscoe; Jose and Magdalena Calvo; Juanita Toves, Margaret and Edward Benavente. She is predeceased by: • Husband Ricardo Victor Perez • Parents Felix Perez and Antonia Blas Calvo • Parents in law: Joaquin Diaz and Virginia Pangelinan Perez • Granddaughter Sarah Perez • Son-in-law Wilson Garces • Siblings and their spouses: Fidela and Vicente Evangelista; Felix Calvo; Agusto and Mildred Calvo; Vicente and Louise Calvo; Jacinto and Isabel Calvo; Elmer and Mariquita Calvo; Jesus and Leonila Calvo; Gloria Calvo; John Calvo; David Calvo; Tomas and Patricia Calvo; Francisca Calvo; Marcelo Biscoe; and Antonio Toves