Obituary of Frances Medina Perez

Frances M. Perez, 85, of Seaside, went home to be with the Lord on July 4, 2023. This is a great loss to all who loved a devoted wife and caring mother, grandmother and great grandmother.

Frances was born on April 6, 1938, one of six children of Magdaleno and Erlinda Medina in Santa Paula, Calif. She moved to Salinas, Calif. as a girl and lived there for over 70 years. Frances was a fixture at the Wells Fargo Bank on Main St. for many years, treasured by the customers for her kind demeanor and gentle voice. She retired in 1997.

Frances is survived by her children, Alfred (Gloria) Perez; Margarita Osuna; Michael (Azalea) Perez; Theresa Perez and Jesse (Jackie) Perez; eleven grandchildren, Frances Shipnuck, Monica Hill, Lisa Espinoza, Laura Ott, Neena Thornton, Vincent Perez, Yvette Osuna, Michael Osuna, Natalie Perez, Jesse Jr. Perez, and Rafael Perez; 14 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchild; and one brother, Gilbert Medina. 

Family was the greatest joy of Frances’s life and she organized a monthly Family Fun Day with food and activities. She attended Shoreline Church with her daughter, Theresa, enjoyed reading her bible daily, and watching The 700 Club. Frances loved to support her grand- and great grand children, criss-crossing Monterey County to never miss any of their games, school activities or special occasions. An avid sports fan, she loved to watch golf and football, especially her favorite team, the Miami Dolphins, though she lamented the absence of her favorite player, Dan Marino. Frances was an excellent hostess and cook, known for her menudo, tamales and chili rellenos. She taught multiple generations how to make her mouth-watering meals and tortillas. Even at 85 she would get excited to eat her favorite ice cream, vanilla.

Frances is preceded in death by her parents; Magdaleno and Erlinda Medina; her husband, Mike Perez; son, Rafael Perez; granddaughter, Michelle Perez; Great-grandson, Travis Osuna; brothers, David, Magdaleno Jr., and Azel Medina; and sister, Bertha Thorson. 

A Celebration of Frances’s life and reception will be held on Friday, July 28th from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm at Compass Church (old sanctuary), 830 Padre Dr. Salinas, CA  93901.

The family requests that in-lieu of flowers, a donation be made in her name to the food pantry at Shoreline Church or any food bank.