Virginia Perez

A loving wife, mother and grandmother, Virginia M. Perez passed away, with her family by her side on Aug. 30, 2011, at her home in Durango, Colo.

She is survived by her husband, John Perez, their three children Julia Perez of Frisco, Texas, Beth Perez of Afton, Va., and John Perez of Manhattan Beach, Calif., three cherished grandchildren; Dylan, Will and Ava, and two brothers; Will Pursell of Myrtle Beach, Ore., and Jerry Pursell of Arthur City, Texas.

Virginia was born to Jack Pursell and Mary Dollins in Hope, Texas, Oct. 26, 1937. She moved as a young child with her family to Napa, Calif. She married John Perez, a native of Durango, on Jan. 26, 1958. They moved to Menlo Park, Calif., where she raised their family and worked for Sunset Magazine. In 1995, they moved back to Durango where Virginia worked for the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory for 15 years.

Virginia was a graceful, fiercely loyal, and loving woman. Of all of her accomplishments, Virginia’s greatest achievements were those of her family and friends. She had a unique gift to recognize and appreciate the talents in others and to make them feel loved and lifted by her presence. Her creative mind, kind heart and brilliant smile allowed her to make everything from her constant charitable efforts to a simple story told to her grandchildren sparkle. Her generous heart filled her home with love, fun, family and friends, including an attitude that there was always room for one more. Virginia’s integrity, warmth and constant love were gifts that profoundly shaped the lives of her family, and she leaves them all with the knowledge that they were truly loved.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that you make a donation in her memory to The Durango Community Shelter, P.O. Box 2107, Durango, CO 81302. 970-259-1021.