Obituary of Dorothy Elizabeth Perez

March 22, 2025

Dorothy Elizabeth Perez
June 2, 1933 - March 22, 2025

Dorothy was born on June 2, 1933, in Chicago, Illinois, to Oneida Koontz and Joseph Burr.

Despite the loss of her parents at an early age, Dorothy's resilience shone through. She navigated through foster homes until her Aunt Neva took her in and insisted she become Catholic. Her baptism and confirmation in Chicago, Illinois, marked the beginning of her unwavering faith and determination.

Shortly after moving to Miami, Florida, she married Miguel Angel Pérez from Guánica, Puerto Rico, and they welcomed two children into their union, Michael Gregory and Julie Anna.

She built a thriving business in Miami, helping interior designers with projects for the Sandals Resort, Neiman Marcus, Gloria Estefan, and celebrities on Star Island.

Dorothy discovered she had eight siblings and traced their family whereabouts from California to New York.

When Miguel retired, he and Dorothy returned to his home island, Puerto Rico, and bought a house in the hills of rural Peñuelas. In 2008, when she became ill, Julie brought Dorothy to New York City's Memorial Sloan Kettering for cancer treatment. After recovering, Dorothy returned to Puerto Rico.

Dorothy and Miguel lived in Puerto Rico until Miguel was diagnosed with cancer. Julie helped them move to New York City, where they lived in her apartment for 15 years. During this time, Julie, her husband Glenn, and Charmaine Rochester cared for them with love, providing family connection and stability as they celebrated holidays and birthdays together.

Dorothy's life was like a canvas, and she filled it with vibrant colors of creativity. She became an avid artist, producing colorful abstract paintings and drawings on paper and fabric. Her love for art was evident in every brushstroke. Additionally, she enjoyed sewing and collaborating with her daughter on home furnishings, leaving behind a legacy of creativity and beauty. Her hobby was Astrology; upon meeting you, she would be sure to ask, "What month were you born?"

She traveled the world with Glenn, Julie, and Charmaine, enjoying Christmas cruises to the Caribbean aboard the Queen Mary 2. Dorothy's ancestry is traced back to England and Scotland, so as a special celebration for her 90th birthday, Glenn and Julie took her to Edinburgh and London. As an English history buff, she was thrilled to tour Edinburgh Castle and visit the tiny room where James I, future King of England, was born to Mary, Queen of Scots. In London, she toured the Tower of London and participated in the Ceremony of the Keys, walking the cobbled stone pathways after dark as the main gates were locked for the night. Tea at the Savoy, a trip to Harrods, and a river cruise down the River Thames to Greenwich completed her UK celebrations; then she returned home on a transatlantic cruise aboard their favorite ship - the Queen Mary 2.

As her health declined, she spent a long time in hospitals and rehab before returning to the comfort of her home for hospice care.

Dorothy passed away peacefully at home on March 22, 2025, in New York City at 91. The family would like to thank Charmaine Rochester for her care and dedication as Dorothy's home health care attendant.

Dorothy is survived by her children, Michael and Julie; grandchildren, Michael and Patrick; and sister, Pat.

We, the family of Dorothy Perez, sincerely appreciate the love and support we've received during this difficult time. Your kindness has brought us comfort as we celebrate her life.