Imelda de Castro Perez passed away suddenly on September 28, 2026, in Portland, Oregon, while on a family trip.

Imelda was born to Baldomero de Castro and Petra Sison on December 27, 1939, in the Philippines. Her father served his country as a member of the famed Philippine Scouts, an elite military unit that served under U.S. Army command during World War II. Following his military service and while he was recovering from injuries sustained during the war, Baldomero's service with the U.S. Army enabled Petra, Imelda, and her sister, Carmen, to emigrate to the United States and join him.

The family settled in San Francisco, California, where Imelda graduated from St. Paul High School. She remained an active alumna throughout her life, supporting a scholarship fund for the children and grandchildren of St. Paul alumni attending Catholic high schools.

During a trip back to the Philippines, Imelda reconnected with old friends, including Cesar Perez, from her hometown of Alaminos in the province of Pangasinan. Cesar and Imelda were married in 1965 at St. Emydius Church in San Francisco.

In 1969, Cesar and Imelda purchased a home on 44th Avenue and became members of St. Gabriel's Parish. What began as a new home and parish would become a lifelong connection to the church, school, and families of the community. St. Gabriel's would remain the place Imelda called home for the rest of her life.

Cesar and Imelda had two children, Gerard and Jessica, both of whom graduated from St. Gabriel's School. Jessica's children would later follow in their footsteps and also graduate from St. Gabriel's.

After working part-time in accounting at Kemper Insurance and QFC stores, Imelda joined the staff of St. Gabriel's School, where she handled tuition, billing, and other administrative responsibilities. She would serve the school in that role for nearly 40 years.

As a parishioner, parent, grandparent, and staff member, Imelda left an indelible mark on the St. Gabriel's community. She supported her children's and grandchildren's activities at the school, volunteered countless hours at parish events, and consistently supported local businesses within the parish community.

But it was through her relationships with the countless parishioners, teachers, staff members, families, and students she encountered over the years that Imelda touched the most lives. Whether it was a quick greeting in passing or an extended conversation, Imelda always took the time to share a smile, kind words, and good thoughts. Her warmth, generosity, and genuine interest in others made her a beloved presence in the St. Gabriel's community.

Imelda was preceded in death by her father, Baldomero; her mother, Petra; her sister, Carmen; and her husband, Cesar.

She is survived by her son, Gerard; her daughter, Jessica (Michael); her grandchildren, Brooks, Bellamy, Hunter, Sawyer, and Presley; relatives and friends from the Alaminos community; and many close friends in the St. Gabriel's community.

Imelda's life was defined by family, faith, friendship, and service. For nearly six decades, St. Gabriel's was not simply a parish she belonged to-it was a community she helped build, nurture, and call home. Her kindness, her smile, and the relationships she formed with generations of parish families will remain a lasting part of the St. Gabriel's community.

A celebration of Imelda's Life will be held at St. Gabriel's Church in San Francisco on Saturday November 14th at 10:00 AM with a reception immediately following at the Irish Cultural Center.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the St. Gabriel's School Tuition Assistance fund in her memory.