Luisa Leonar Perez Yllescas

On December 24, 2020, Luisa Leonor Perez Yllescas, beloved wife and mother, was called home to be with the Lord at age 69. 

Luisa Leonor Perez Yllescas, affectionately known as Leo, was born on May 29, 1951 to Maria Julia Yllescas and Nestor Fernando Perez in Lima, Peru.  She was raised with her 12 siblings, where there was never a dull moment.  In 1970, she graduated from Teresa Gonzales de Fanning High School, and began bookkeeping for her father’s construction company, Nestor F. Pérez Campos Contratista Generales.

In 1975, she arrived in the United States with her daughter, Katherine to reside in Paterson, NJ.   She raised her two daughters, Katherine and Marylin, and her son, Louis in North Bergen, NJ.  Luisa was dedicated to providing for her family, working for the Sahadi Company which produced the Fruit Roll Ups. Her kids would look forward to her bringing home sweets from the factory. She also brought back stories of immigration raids during which employees would hide.  

Several years later, she took a job working at the Liz Claiborne factory, where she was soon promoted from working on the factory line to an office secretary. During the evenings, she was enrolled in English writing classes, but she didn’t stop there.  After earning her home health aide license, she was employed by Priority Nursing Services. Luisa had to eventually find alternative employment because the impact of losing patients was too much for her.  She went on to get her CDL and was hired by First America Transit Services before eventually retiring.  In between all her employment, she cared for her grandchildren, Jahdiel and Maximo.  

Throughout the years Luisa had several interests and talents. In her younger years, she participated in a dance group and socialized with friends.  She was a talented seamstress who would create matching dresses for her daughters and nieces.  Leo was known for her cooking and would get frequent requests for her specialty dish- Carapulcra.  She often made time to visit her relatives in Peru, who were always excited to see her and the gifts she would bring to each of them from the states.  The only thing she may have loved as much as her family was watching her favorite soccer team, Alianza Lima. 

On November 24th 2015  Luisa wed her long-time companion, Oscar Alberto Zegarra Saenz and was lovingly embraced by his family.

Luisa is described by her family as a strong and feisty woman who was supportive, and patient. She was the biggest cheerleader for the accomplishments of her children and grandchildren. Luisa was the epitome of perseverance with a spirit of joy and laughter felt by all who knew her. Although she will be greatly missed, her family is comforted in knowing that the Lord has prepared a place for her in His kingdom.

Luisa was preceded in death by her husband, Oscar Alberto Zegarra Saenz, with whom she is reunited, and her siblings Fernando Pérez Yllescas and Luis Perez Romero.

~She is survived by her loving family~

Children: Katherine, Marylin, and Louis Otero 

Grandchildren: Jahdiel McKnight and Maximo Sierra 

Siblings: Elsa Perez de Berna, Nestor Perez, Norma Perez de Chia, Eduardo Perez, Rosa Perez de Nunez, Daniel Perez, Alfredo Perez, Gabriella Perez de Morante, Virginia Perez de Costa, Hector Perez and Cristina Perez de Vojvodic

Stepdaughter: Giovanna Elizabeth Otero

She also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and loved ones to cherish her memories.

Funeral service is Thursday, December 31, 2020 from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM at Riotto Funeral Home & Cremation Company. (For GPS Nagivation, it is best to use our parking lot address: 14 Stagg Street).  Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery, Fairview, NJ.