It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved matriarch, Maria Martina Perusquia. Surrounded by her loving family, she went to be with our Lord and Savior on November 29, 2024. She fought a courageous battle against cancer. She was 90 years old.

Maria Perusquia was born in Laredo, Texas on June 2, 1934, where she remained a lifelong resident. She was the oldest of three siblings, born to Jesus Bocanegra and Lamar Mendiola Bocanegra.

At the age of eighteen, she married her neighborhood sweetheart and love of her life, Ernesto Perusquia Sr. They shared 49 beautiful years of marriage together until his death in 2001.

Endowed with a giving spirit, she remained actively involved in the community during her lifetime. She served as a Boy Scout volunteer during her younger years and as a member of the Martin High School Band Parents Association in the 1970s. Later, in the 1990s, she served as a Eucharistic Minister, Lector, and Head of the Youth Ministry at St. Francis Mother Cabrini Catholic Church, working closely with Monsignor Tom Davis and Father Noel Davis.

She dedicated her entire life to her family. Her life is a testament for the way a life should be lived. She was an amazing role model, a beacon of hope, and the rock of her entire family. Her genuine, strong, kind, and loving nature leaves behind an inspirational legacy.

Nani, as she was called by those who loved her the most, was a tremendous mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was a devoted confidante who blessed her loved ones with a guiding hand and a warm heart as she shaped their lives.

She is survived by her daughter Rosario Perusquia; son Ernesto Perusquia Jr., granddaughters Tania Perusquia and Nadia Perusquia; daughter Dalia Kokinakis, grandson Rocky Montemayor and granddaughter Kristi Pasier; son Ruben Perusquia Sr., grandson Ruben Perusquia Jr.; daughter Norma Perez and her husband Jose Luis Perez, grandsons Samuel Perez and Jose Luis Perez Jr. and granddaughter Rosa Maria Sandoval; daughter Thelma Perusquia, grandson Jose Luis Requejo Jr. and granddaughter Tina Marie Huerta; son Carlos Roberto Gonzalez; her grandchildren’s spouses and her 27 great-grandchildren. Her memory will be forever cherished by her family, friends and all who were blessed to know her.

She joins her husband Ernesto Perusquia Sr., father Jesus Bocanegra, mother Lamar Mendiola Bocanegra, sister Irene Arredondo, brother-in-law Norberto Arredondo, and brother Tomas Bocanegra in eternal peace.

She remained unwavering in her faith and a warrior to the end. Our hero will be deeply missed and never forgotten. Her spirit endures and her influence lives on.

The family wishes to give special thanks to the medical team who offered great care and comfort to her in her final days, including: Dr. Ghadimi-Mahani, Jerry Villarreal, and the entire Altus Hospice nursing staff.

Pallbearers are: Rocky Montemayor, Jose Luis Requejo Jr., Santiago Requejo, Ruben Perusquia Jr., Leroy Huerta, George Casarez, Daniel Arredondo and David Arredondo.

Honorary pallbearers are: Ernesto Perusquia Jr., Ruben Perusquia Sr., Carlos Roberto Gonzalez, Jose Luis Perez Jr., and Samuel Perez.

The Perusquia family will be receiving guests on Sunday, December 8, 2024, in the Angelus Chapel at Fred Dickey Funeral & Cremation Services from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm.  A rosary will be recited in the evening.  Funeral services will be held on Monday, December 9, 2024 from the funeral home to Mother Cabrini Catholic Church. Funeral Mass will begin at 9:00 am.  Interment will follow to the Calvary Catholic Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements are by Fred Dickey Funeral & Cremation Services, 1320 Trey Dr., Laredo, Texas 78041 (956) 723-3611. For your convenience, you may leave your condolences to the family online at www.freddickey.com

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