Beatrice Dorame Perez passed away peacefully in her home on November 16, 2022. She was 91 years old. Beatrice was born on December 30, 1930, in Tucson, Arizona in Barrio Viejo on Convent Street.

"La Baby" as she was fondly known to all was the youngest daughter of Don Enrique y Do󠇓ña Inezita Dorame, (both preceded in death) who lived in Barrio Viejo as well. Beatrice had eight siblings. As a ""Down Towner "she shopped at all the local stores and eateries, always walking with her mother and friends' hand in hand. There she went to "La Calle" as it was known back then. She loved to dance, always enjoying the music sounds of the 40's. She knew how to jitterbug early in her teens. She almost never missed a dance opportunity on the weekends, she proudly mentioned that she walked to the Blue Moon dance hall on North Main Ave and back home, wearing high heels.

After World War II ended, and before Beatrice turned 18 years of age, she met and married a local Tucson resident who was born in Barrio Jardin Carrillo, Rosendo S. Perez (predeceased). During their marriage, they had six children Rene (predeceased), Cecilia, David, Ernest, Anna and Marcella.

A true native Tucsonan and Matriarch of the Barrio in downtown Tucson, Beatrice witnessed many changes of the downtown area, and was routinely interviewed by local media to talk and share her thoughts about those changes and living in the barrio. She often welcomed the Carrillo elementary school children to visit her beautiful garden and tell the stories of the barrio and the water well that still exists in the backyard of the 110-year-old home. Later on in life, she was often called to recite "novenarios" a series of prayers for nine days following the death of a loved one.

Through the early years of restoring and beautifying the Perez house from the 50's up until today, the many memories of family gatherings, struggles, blood, sweat, tears, joy and laughter always filled the home where neighbors and friends and, in some cases, strangers came to know that La Baby made this home the happiest, rich in spirit, humble in character, robust at heart.

Though Beatrice's health began to change early this year, few people knew the extent of her struggles. Her joy for life and strong spirit and faith kept pushing her, she enjoyed family, friends and neighbors visiting, always working in her garden, she loved her plants and flowers, carnations were her favorite; painting, shopping, sweeping, working her word search magazines, making sure the household was clean and in order, enjoying her favorite music and television programs and dancing were her livelihoods, up until she was unable to move and keep active.

" Beatrice was the mother of six children with many grandchildren and great grandchildren, extended family and friends. Despite this large family, Beatrice always made time for everyone. She always provided support, advice, jokes and love for her family."

Beatrice is survived by her children, Cecilia (Alan Rabuck), David, Ernest, Anna (Joe Estrada) and Marcella (Oscar Leal); Carolina Perez, Daughter- in- law (Rene, deceased) eldest and only surviving sister from Huntington Park CA, Adelina Robles; 16 Grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren and 3 great -great grandchildren. Many nephews and nieces, extended family, including her best friend and adopted daughter of the barrio, Martha Vargas.

The Perez family invite you to join them for visitation at 5 pm on Sunday, November 27 at Carrillo's Tucson Mortuary. Prayer services begin at 7 pm. Funeral mass on Monday, November 28 at St. Augustine's Cathedral at 10 am, interment following at Holy Hope Cemetery.  A Celebration of Life Luncheon will be held at Armory Park Center Ballroom from 1 to 4 pm. The Perez family wishes to thank the staff of Bristol Hospice for their expertise during the course of our mothers' short transition while in-home hospice services. We are in awe by the outpour of visitors expressing their love and support during this heartbreak in our lives, it is forever appreciated.