Juanita Marguerite Goudeau Perez

Juanita Marguerite Goudeau Perez, of Merced, California, died on April 28, 2014, at Simi Valley Care Center. She was 87. She was born August 8, 1926, in New Orleans, Louisiana, daughter of Dolly Shields and Charles Nathaniel Goudeau. Juanita was the middle child between her older sister, Elizabeth “Betty” Goudeau (Wethers) and her younger brother, Charles Nathaniel Goudeau, II. She attended St. Joan of Arc Catholic School, followed by Xavier Preparatory School, and finally Xavier University in New Orleans. As a child, Juanita was extremely intelligent, winning the Louisiana State Spelling Bee and graduating from high school at the age of 15. When she wasn’t studying, Juanita roller skated with her siblings and friends. In 1944, she married the love of her life, John Perez and together they had 3 children: Joseph (Ramona White), Joana (Reginald Stanislaus Castille), and John Ernest (Patricia Ault). As a young mother, Juanita loved to spoil her children with lots of toys including planes and trains. Juanita worked primarily in the title business industry. Just when she was expected to retire at the age of 60, Juanita started her own business in 1986: East Bay Abstract Service, which served all of the major title companies in 4 counties of the San Francisco Bay Area. Juanita remains known in the industry for her vast knowledge and impeccable skill. She was a proud member of the National Association of Professional Women. Juanita, aka “Nana,” has 9 grandchildren: Monica Perez (Boxley); Brandon Perez Castille; Joseph Perez, Jr.; Joana “Mia” Perez (Arroyo); Armando Perez; Timothy Perez; Anthony “Tony” Perez; Cynthia Perez; and Stephanie Wilkins (Rivera). Nana has 16 great-grandchildren: Drew Boxley; Demi Boxley; Adam Boxley; Trevor Perez; Sienna Perez; Mercadies Anguiano; Josiah Anguiano; Brayden Anguiano; Avellina Perez; Anthony Perez, Jr.; Sabina Perez; Cruz Castille; John Miguel Perez Argote; Rex Cuauhtemoc “Temo” Castille; William “Tito” Rivera; and Kinzley Hammond. Juanita will be greatly missed. She is survived by her children, and predeceased by her husband, John. A Mass will be held at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Moorpark, California on August 23, 2014, at 10:00 AM. Memorial donations may be made in Juanita’s name to the National Alzheimer’s Foundation.