Sylvia Perez

Sep 5, 1956 -

Mar 12, 2026

Sylvia (Castillo) Perez, 69, of Homestead, Fla., passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 12, 2026, surrounded by her loving family, after a long and courageous battle with illness.

Strong-willed and full of life, Sylvia was a tenacious and vibrant woman. A devoted Christian with unwavering faith, she held firmly to the promise of eternal life and salvation through Jesus Christ. As an active member of The Last Harvest International Ministry in Miami, Fla., Sylvia continually sought opportunities to serve, uplift others and be a blessing to those around her.

Born in Newark, N.J., Sylvia later moved with her mother to Puerto Rico, where she met and married Raniganj and began their family. Together, they raised two daughters and built a life that spanned New Jersey, Alaska, Puerto Rico and Florida. Sylvia loved to travel, but above all, she poured her heart into her family. She took great pride in the life she built and in raising her children alongside her beloved husband, Raniganj Perez, with whom she shared 47 years of marriage.

Sylvia's three grandchildren brought her immeasurable joy, lighting up her face with an unforgettable smile. She cherished every moment spent with them. Everything Sylvia did was a labor of love—whether it was preparing traditional Puerto Rican dishes like pasteles, arroz con gandules, empanadillas and chuletas, or making her signature giant buttery pancakes. With a vibrant, room-brightening laugh, Sylvia was unforgettable—a striking portrait of cherry-red lips and nails paired with soft, blown-out hair. She created a home filled with warmth and faith, reading the Bible to her daughters each night, praying with them and singing hymns to comfort them at bedtime.

Sylvia is survived by her devoted husband, Raniganj Perez; daughter, Sylvette Perez; and daughter and son-in-law, Lorraine and Daniel Frechette along with their children, Thomas, Andalucia and Frederick. She is also survived by her mother, Socorro Velez; siblings, Rosa Ruiz, Judith Castillo and Tommy Castillo; and many extended family members. She was preceded in death by her sister, Maria Cruz.

Mami, this is not goodbye—it is simply "until we meet again." We find peace in knowing that you are free now, safe in the arms of Jesus. You taught us to live with gratitude, to cherish each moment and to never take tomorrow for granted. We made it our priority to be by your side, to call, to visit and to love you intentionally. You are a virtuous wife, a devoted mother and a cherished Abuela. You are, and will always be, deeply loved.