Rose Mary Perea

Rose Mary Perea, 66, beloved daughter, sister, partner, aunt, family member & teammate was called to her eternal resting place on December 28, 2020. Rose was preceded in eternal rest by her father, mother and her two brothers. She survived by her life partner Marleen Apodaca; her family Adeline Apodaca, Mandy Miranda, Anna Mae Apodaca, Cael John Paul Apodaca, Robert Hill, Beverly Apodaca; many friends; and her dogs (Wynona, Cesar and Ruby).

She was born to Juan and Candelaria (“Candy”) Perea on September 26, 1954 in the Albuquerque neighborhood of San Jose and spent a good part of her life living in the Old Town area. She attended Albuquerque High where she participated in many sports and developed lifelong friends, she was proud to be a “Bulldog”. Rose continued to enjoy and participate in organized sports for many years after high school. She was an intimidating catcher in fast pitch softball who could rapidly throw a ball to second base without even standing up. She would coordinate her teammates from that catcher position, which was where she fondly got the nickname “Colonel”. In later years, she played slow pitch softball to socialize with people she knew. She traveled to many fast pitch and slow pitch softball tournaments within New Mexico and many other states.

Throughout the years Rose traveled to many different places to enjoy the water and swimming like the California coastline, Cancun and Lake Tahoe. However, as soon as someone would say “Vegas” Rose was already planning. Yes, she liked the action in the casinos in Las Vegas, Laughlin and all-around New Mexico. She did combine her love for sports and travel, attending the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles and 1992 Olympics in Barcelona, Spain where she got to see the U.S. men’s national basketball team “The Dream Team”. Rose’s truly delighted in watching and playing basketball. She was a long-time season ticket holder of the UNM women’s Lobos games and traveled to several tournaments to support them. She participated in the New Mexico Senior Games basketball for many years, starting with the 50+ and achieved her goal of playing in the National Senior Olympics in Albuquerque 2019 while battling cancer.

As many have done, Rose had a few different jobs yet for the past 16 years she worked for the State of New Mexico Department of Health. She was a valuable asset for many reasons, one being she was bilingual (Spanish and English), which allowed her to help so many people. In 2015 she was given a Certificate of Appreciation from the New Mexico Governor- it read in part “… for your loyalty, dedication and exemplary customer service to the constituents of this state”. Rose retired from the State of New Mexico Department of Health June 2020. She provided a home to many animals over the years and had a difficult time turning away from an animal in need. Rose loved her family and they loved her.

As Rose’s favorite poet said, “I sustain myself with the love of family”, Maya Angelou.

Private Services to be held. Rosary will be recited on Wednesday January 20, 2021 at 3:00 pm. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, attendance is limited. A link to pray the Rosary with us in the privacy of your own home can be found here: http://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/44714

In lieu of flowers, you may donate to the New Mexico Senior Sports Foundation in Rose Perea’s Name.