Obituary of Maria Estela Pérez

In loving memory, we announce the passing of our beloved Maria Estela Mejia Batista de Pérez, who departed this world on May 7, 2025, at the age of 93. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and cherished friend, she leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and warmth.

Maria Estela Mejia Batista de Pérez, affectionately known as “Mama Estela,” was born in the Dominican Republic. Living in Shelton, CT, she passed away peacefully on May 7, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones. She was the wife of Julian Pérez, and the daughter of the late Jose Maria Mejia & Elvira Batista. She dedicated her life to her family and, in her later years, cherished spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Maria was a sharp, intelligent woman with a larger-than-life personality. A trailblazer in her field, she was one of the pioneers of the women's career movement, making significant contributions while working for Radio Televisión Dominicana in the 1960s. She furthered her career at the Editorial Secretariat of La Nación, followed by a role in the Department of the ID Card at the Central Electoral Board. Later, she worked at Lady B Cheesecake Factory in Connecticut.

A beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Maria was a constant source of joy and love for her family. 

She is survived by her loving children, Matilda Bugarchich and her husband Marko, Ana Gomez and her husband Alberto, and Julio Pérez and his wife Rosa. Her love and joy extended to her grandchildren: Bienvenido Checo, Jonathan Checo, Elisa Gomez and her partner Eddy, Carmen Ramirez and her husband Jorge, Alberto Giaimo and his husband Michael, Ana Perez, and Thomas Rodriguez and his wife Ashley. She was also a celebrated great-grandmother to her treasured seven loving great-grandchildren: Jorge Ramirez, Daniel Ramirez, Genesis Ramirez, Xavier Ramirez, Sage Bazile, Lillian Pérez and Elijah Rodriguez, who will forever carry her spirit of kindness and grace in their hearts.

May you rest in eternal peace, dear Maria Estela, surrounded by the love you gave so freely.

Funeral services will take place on Thursday, May 15, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. in the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Rd., Trumbull. Interment will follow in Lawn Cemetery, Shelton. Relatives and friends may greet the family on Wednesday, May 14, 2025 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Rd., Trumbull. To leave an online condolence, please visit us at www.abriola.com.