On Tuesday July, 6th 2020, Blase Morales Perez our beloved Texas Rose, Mother of 7 children, Grandmother, and Great Grandmother to so many more…was taken home.

Blase was born on February 3rd, 1932 in Flatonia TX.  Blase could remember picking cotton as a small child, and would freely admit that she was horrible at it, choosing to play instead.  Her family moved from Texas to Chicago when she was still young, Blase called Chicago home for the remainder of her loving life.  Blase met and married Juan M. Perez, but was then widowed with 5 Children.  She then met Gene Ramirez and had two more children. While Blase had a lack of a formal education, she managed to work and raise 4 boys and 3 girls in the city of Chicago thru the 60s, 70s, and 80s.  And while it looked like she did it mostly on her own, she would always say she wasn't alone, and that she did it "With the Lord's help".

Blase always wanted to make sure everyone had a Christmas present at Christmas time. And she rarely disappointed on that front.  Although saddened, her loving family is prepared to provide their own socks at Christmas time from now on.

Blase improvised her education thru her love of reading, particularly biographies.  A lack of a formal education did not stop her… one of her jobs later in life was at a library, where she was able to indulge in her love of reading. She took her grandchildren to work with her, where she encouraged their reading by having them pick out books to take home.  Blase loved traditional Mariachi music, Salsa, and also enjoyed the likes of Frank Sinatra, Fats Domino, Dinah Washington, Cab Calloway, and other early jazz artist.  Blase also loved to dance, and could be seen dancing and swaying to the music up until the last years of her life.  Her grandchildren were once known to become suddenly scarce when the music started, as "Gram" was ready to cut a rug, and in search of a partner.

Among her favorite things was being health conscious, often stating " A sip of beer helps food go down better"  and  "Wine, or mixed drinks, help kill the germs on fruit"….also coffee, wild flowers, orchids, and her birthstone…Amethyst, were among her favorite things.

Although Blase was not afraid to voice her opinion about situations, she had the foresight to understand, and practice non-judgement saying "I am not to judge" when it truly needed to be said.  Blase often invited people in her home saying "If there is room for all of us in heaven, then there is room in my home".   Her ability to speak her truth, make friends, and comfort others are what made her loved by so many.

Blase was preceded in death by her husband Juan Perez, Gene Ramirez, sisters Mary and Gertie, and her daughter Katherine.

Blase is survived by her 3 brothers Greg, Benny, and Izzy, and her sister Dinah. She is also survived by her daughters Teresa, and Mary, and her sons Steve, John, David, and Phillip, and her many many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Funeral Saturday 9:15am from the WOLNIAK FUNERAL HOME 5700 S. Pulaski Rd. to St. Bruno Church for 10:00am Mass.  Interment St. Mary Cemetery.  Visitation Friday 3-6pm.  For Info: (773) 767-4500 or www.wolniakfuneralhome.com

Per the IL Dept of Health guidelines, currently 50 people are permitted in the building at one time.