Obituary: Dora Ann Perez Avila

For The Madera Tribune

Dora Ann Perez Avila.

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Dora Ann Perez Avila, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend was called home to be with her Creator on Feb. 7, 2023. Dora was born on March 10, 1958, in Madera, California to Leonardo and Esperanza Perez.

Dora attended Sierra Vista Elementary, Thomas Jefferson Middle School, and graduated from Madera High School. She moved to Reedley to attend college, where she was employed by an attorney. After returning from Reedley, she met the love of her life, Rick Avila, and began their family, having 3 sons and 1 daughter together.

Anyone that knew Dora knew that she had a compassionate heart. She always put other peoples’ needs before her own. Her children, her siblings, her grandchildren, and even her nieces and nephews have great stories of her selflessness. “Mom,” “Sister,” “Grandma” or “Tia Dora/Tia Lola” was always there for them, whether they needed a ride to or from school, wanted to go to the store, or needed a baby sitter. She never said “no” or that she was “too busy”. She was an amazing cook and her family always looked forward to eat her food at the family bbqs and gatherings.

Once her dad Leonardo became ill, Dora became the primary caregiver for him until the Lord called him home on 12/16/2017. Just a few short years later, she again became a primary caregiver, this time for her mom Esperanza, until she went home to be with the Lord on 01/04/2022. Everything she did for her parents will always be appreciated and never forgotten.

Dora is preceded in death by her parents, her brother Ramon, and four nieces and nephews. She is survived by her husband Rick Avila, her sons Rick Jr, Anthony, and Ramon, her daughter Mishaann, and her grandchildren, Adrianna, Angel, Cassandra, Anthony, Janae, Makayla, Dominick, Aubree, Elijah, David, Rick III, Ezekiel, Avrielle, and Alaia. Dora is also survived by Alision Beavers and Jacqueline Garcia, whom she loved and saw as daughters. She also leaves behind her siblings and their spouses; Maria Teresa and Richard Castro, Rosemary and Henry Ramirez, Jesse and Yolanda Perez, MaryLou and Frank Munoz, Leonard and Carmen Perez, Paul and Mariann Perez, and Esther Diaz, along with numerous nieces and nephews and many extended family members who loved her dearly. She will be greatly missed.

A celebration of her life will be on Friday, March 10, 2023, at 11 a.m. at Valley West Christian Center, 101 W. Adell Street, Madera, California.