Araceli Perez

Araceli Perez was born in La Mesa, California. She was raised by her mother, Guadalupe Perez, alongside her two siblings, RisaMikaela and Genero Perez. She gained a brother along the way, Neil Sernum. Later in life, she moved to Fresno, where she spent most of her years. It was there that she met Robert Gonzales, and together they welcomed four children: Maiya, Jayleen, Braylen, and Dylan Gonzales—her beloved "Fab/Fantastic Four." They were the center of her world, and she dedicated her life to loving and raising them.

Araceli was kind, compassionate, and had an infectious personality, which is why so many of you are here today. She had a remarkable gift for making everyone she met feel seen, heard, and valued. She devoted much of her career to helping others as a social worker/CPS for Fresno County, where she built countless friendships that became more like family over the years. She was fierce, spontaneous, and truly the life of the party. Araceli was unapologetically herself—something her children would lovingly say sometimes drove them crazy—and they wouldn't have wanted her any other way.

Above all else, Araceli will be remembered for the love she gave so freely, the joy she brought into every room, and the lasting impact she made on everyone fortunate enough to know her. She will be deeply missed and forever loved.