Esmeralda Perkowski

Esmeralda “Esme” Perkowski (nee Gallegos) age 73, born and raised in Albuquerque, NM, passed away with her family by her side and went home to be with the Lord on May 21, 2017. Mom was born to the late Silviano Gallegos and Susanna Gallegos (nee Chavez) on June 1, 1943, and lived on Santa Fe Street.

She was preceded in death by her brothers, Silvestre, Manford, Jake, Vicente, and Andres. She is survived by her husband, Bruce Perkowski of 30 years married; her three sons, Gabriel (Patrice) Flores of Camarillo, Calif., Eddie (Maria) Ray Flores of Santa Ana, Calif., and Paul (LaFonda) Silviano Flores of Las Vegas, NV; grandchildren, Jessica, Alexandra, Joshua, and Thomas; great-grandchildren, Natalie, Caleb, Matthew, and Cade; and many nieces and nephews, all of whom she adored deeply.

She will be truly missed by all who knew her with her flair for style and taste in good music. Mom was a great singer whose voice filled rooms and the hearts of all who listened. She loved having her children and their families all together for good times and good food, as she was a great cook. With her husband Bruce she enjoyed travelling, shopping, movies, softshell crabs, and bingo.  She was a great mom and she loved her boys fiercely. She taught her boys how to sing and laugh and even how to fight, but most importantly she showed us how to love, and be loved, and to cherish every moment of life.

Mom worked in the casino business for many years in Las Vegas, NV making change for guests while they played the slot machines. She was so good and welcoming at her job that she was named employee of the year and awarded a two-week all-expense paid trip to Japan, an accomplishment of which she was deservedly proud. That was her first and only trip overseas and she shared the adventure with her husband Bruce. When she truly enjoyed something, it was “BEAUTIFUL!”

Visitation is Tuesday May 30, 2017, at 5:00 p.m., followed by a Rosary at 6:00 p.m., at FRENCH - University. The Funeral Mass is on Wednesday, May 31, 2017, 9:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 309 Stover Ave S.W., Albuquerque, NM 87102, followed by Interment at 3:00 p.m., Santa Fe National Cemetery,   501 N. Guadalupe St, Santa Fe, NM 87501.  We love you mom! Rest in peace joining the heavenly choir of angels and singing and dancing to your heart’s content. We will miss you deeply but carry you in our hearts and minds knowing we will see you again.  You’re “BEAUTIFUL!”