Maria D. "Josie" Perez

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Maria D. “Josie” Perez, who departed this life on November 17, 2025, at the age of 85. Born on April 22, 1940, Josie was a dedicated and passionate member of her community, leaving an unforgettable mark to many who hold her in their hearts.

A proud graduate of Martin High School’s class of 1958, Josie continued to embrace life’s joys with Tiger Pride. She actively participated in the Friends for Life Loteria Ladies and devoted Tuesday nights to her cherished Whataburger group. She was a devoted supporter of KHOY radio station, listening faithfully as a testament to her dedication to her unwavering faith.

J.J. and Josie married in 1961 and shared 54 years of a beautiful, happy life together until his passing on December 23, 2015. Josie was a woman of deep faith with a profound devotion to our Blessed Mother, and she prayed the rosary every night. She instilled Catholic values, humility, and the importance of education in her children and grandchildren, whom she loved dearly.

She was also profoundly patriotic and took great pride in the military service of J.J., her brothers, her nephews, and later her grandson Luis and his wife Rebecca.

Josie was a devoted wife and mother to her beloved children and cherished every moment with her grandchildren. Her family gatherings were filled with laughter, love, and warmth, reflecting the strong family values she upheld throughout her life. Josie was a faithful member of San Martin De Porres Church, where she found solace and strength in her faith.

Josie worked with the City of Laredo Health Department with the Chest Clinic for 37 years, a role she fulfilled with unwavering commitment and compassion. Additionally, she enriched her community through her work at Joanna’s Flower Shop for over a decade, spreading joy with her thoughtful arrangements.

Her grandchildren were her greatest joy, and she was a proud Aggie grandma. She loved talking about each of them—whether it was Luis’s service in the Army, Sydney’s performances, Alexis’s dedication to continuing her education, or Brianna’s work providing therapy for children with autism. Her step-grandchildren—Aldo, Mandy, and Mandito—also brought her tremendous joy. She cherished them as part of her heart and home, and she especially loved the joy and happiness they brought to her son and the way they completed his life. She was incredibly proud of all of them.

Amy, Rick, and their children Brandon and Andrew Valdez were like family to her, and they held a very special place in her heart.

An avid gardener, Josie nurtured plants with the same love and care she extended to her family. She will be dearly remembered for her beloved fur baby, Bella, who accompanied her for the past 11 years.

Josie’s legacy of love and dedication will forever resonate in the hearts of those she touched.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Adrian Montemayor and Delfina Montemayor; her beloved husband, Juan Jose “J.J” Perez; her grandson, Gerardo Javier Perez Jr.; and her siblings, Adrian Montemayor Jr., Alfredo Montemayor, Magdalena Gunnoe, Delia Ayala, and Javier Montemayor.

Left to cherish her memory are her children J.J. (Norma) Perez, Jerry (Diana Ramirez) Perez, and Anna Laura (Rev. Deacon Luis) Raines; and her grandchildren, CPT Luis Eduardo (CPT Rebecca Lynn) Raines Jr., Sydney Perez, Brianna Raines, Alexis Perez, Aldo Boyless Jr., Amanda Lerma, and Amando Lerma III; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

The family will be receiving condolences on Sunday evening, November 23, 2025 from 5 to 9 p.m. at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels & Cremation Services, 1410 Jacaman Rd.; where a Vigil for the Deceased and Rosary will commence at 7 p.m.

Funeral Services will be conducted on Monday morning, November 24, 2025 departing at 9 a.m. from Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels to San Martin De Porres Catholic Church for a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 a.m.

Rite of Committal and Interment will follow at the family plot of the Laredo City Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be: J.J. Perez, Jerry Perez, Rev. Deacon Luis Raines, Luis Raines Jr., Javier Montemayor Jr., and Jorge Salazar.

You may express your condolences, share your favorite memories, and sign the guestbook online at: www.joejacksonfuneralchapels.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care and direction of the funeral service professionals at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels & Cremation Services, 1410 Jacaman Rd., Laredo, Texas 78041; (956)722-8850.