Angeles “Mary” Perez recently passed away at the age of 93 years old in Santa Barbara. She was born on April 22, 1927 in El Paso, Texas.

She, along with her parents and four siblings moved to San Jose, California, where she would raise her family and begin a long and successful career with IBM.

When she retired she moved to Santa Barbara, where she maintained a very active life by assisting with the opening of the Nordstrom Store, managing Michael Huffington’s and Brooks Firestone’s local political offices, and participating on the Board of Directors for Old Spanish Days, Sister Cities and the Flying Doctors.

She also owned a home in Palm Desert, California, where she lived for 14 years and was actively involved with the Red Hatters Society. Later, she decided to move back to Santa Barbara where she could be closer to her family and friends, and where she would live out the rest of her life.

She is preceded in death by her two daughters Laura Levy of Santa Barbara and Leticia Sanchez of Santa Cruz, in addition to her two step-sons, Butch Bland and Larry Mendoza; son-in-law William Levy, his sister Jill Levy; granddaughter Renee Levy; and great granddaughter Elizabeth Levy. In addition many cousins, nieces and nephews still living throughout the United States.

She lived a full and loving life with her birds, family and friends. She loved to paint, knit and travel. She was always one of the most attentive and extremely supportive mothers.

There are so many things we will miss, including her lovely smile, her positive attitude, her unconditional joy and the friendliness she spread to so many.

I was blessed to have my mother with me at the time of her death. I love you mom, Laura.