Gabriela M. Perez

Gabriela M. Perez was born on January 12, 1960, in San Antonio, Texas. She was the eldest child of her parents, Pedro G. Reyes, Jr. and Consuelo Perez Reyes. She spent her childhood with her maternal grandparents, Preciliano and Carmen Perez, her beloved "deddy and mama." Her grandparents and father preceded her in death, and her mother was at Gabby's bedside when Gabby made her journey home on September 19, 2014. Gabby is survived by brother Gilbert Reyes, sisters Christine P. Reyes-Swank and Cathleen R. Palomino, nephews Kenneth Gilbert Linscott and Riddick Reyes, and nieces Halo Reyes and Cortana Reyes. Gabby is survived also by brothers-in-law Rogelio G. Palomino and Jerry E. Swank and by many, many loving friends and colleagues. Gabby was a graduate of Harlandale High School and of the University of Texas at San Antonio. In addition to a jobs held at UTSA, a bookstore in Austin, and Super Stitches, Inc. in San Antonio, Gabby worked for 24 years in the Alamo Community College District. In her positions at San Antonio College and St. Philips College, she found within herself a love of teaching and a passion for serving non-traditional students. She inspired these students with her accepting spirit and belief in their abilities and "ganas." She often put in weekend, early morning, and late evening hours to provide one-on-one tutoring and support for students. She organized adult education programs and managed a summer Kids Camp program. She was always at the ready with an inspiring story about a student and his or her amazing spirit and determination. Gabby will be remembered as a loving caretaker of cats of all ages and backgrounds. She regularly fed a colony of kitties near her workplace and kitties in every neighborhood she lived in. She could not bear to see kitties go hungry or without care for injuries. She knew every kitty by the name she gifted to it and was greeted daily by her charges, who grew to anticipate her visits and put their trust in her. Gabby was also a loving mama to many of her own adopted kitties over her lifetime. Gabby was an avid reader of books. She loved the written word and its power to inspire and transform. She always had books with her, no matter where she was. When she finished a book, she would leave it somewhere public and conspicuous--on a bus seat, perhaps--for another person to enjoy. She made connections with others over book reviews she wrote and ones on which she commented, and she was an avid journaler, poet, and writer of letters and postcards. Gabby enjoyed fellowship with others over a shared meal. She looked forward to introducing friends and family to foods and restaurants she loved. She wished, in fact, for her friends and loved ones to have a dinner together, to share stories and have fellowship in celebration of her life, rather than a traditional memorial service. Gabby is loved by many and will be remembered for her unfailing acceptance of others and her love for life. Her desired fellowship dinner is being planned, and a formal announcement will be shared soon. To express interest in attending the dinner, please contact the family at gabrielaperezmemorial@gmail.com In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please consider a donation, in Gabby's name, to your local pet shelter or to the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition at www.ovarian.org