Elsie Nieves Perez

June 16, 1932 ~ January 21, 2026

Elsie N. Perez, 93, passed away peacefully in her sleep on January 21, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. A woman of grace, sophistication, and unwavering devotion, Elsie was the heart and guiding force of her family and the embodiment of elegance in every aspect of her life.

Born and raised in New York City, Elsie absorbed its culture, beauty, and refinement, carrying that influence with her wherever she went. She had a natural eye for beauty and created it effortlessly in her home, in her work, and in the way she presented herself and her family to the world. Always impeccably dressed, she never left her bedroom without her makeup on, a reflection of the pride and care she took in herself and her surroundings.

Elsie was deeply creative. A gifted pianist, as a child, she performed at Lincoln Center, sharing her love of music with elegance and poise. She expressed her artistry through sewing and crocheting, filled countless journals with her thoughts, and enjoyed writing short stories for children. She also owned a boutique in Brooklyn, where her love of fashion, detail, and presentation came together naturally. Shopping was another passion she embraced wholeheartedly, always with joy and intention.

She was married to her beloved husband, Arnold Perez-Pacheco, for 60 years. Their marriage was a partnership rooted in love, loyalty, and family, and together they built a life centered on tradition, togetherness, and unwavering support. Elsie’s greatest joy was time spent with Arnold, their children, their spouses, her parents, and their grandchildren, who were always the center of her world.

Above all, Elsie was a devoted mother to her five beautiful children: Elsie Arlene, Kenneth Arnold, Lorelei Anne, Karen Elizabeth, and Darien Aristedes. She held her family together with strength and intention, ensuring that Christmases, New Year’s celebrations, and family gatherings were never missed. Togetherness was not optional, it was essential, and it was her greatest legacy.

She took immense pride in how she dressed her children, never allowing them to leave the house without looking polished and proud as a family. She often made their clothes herself, instilling lessons about respect, self-worth, and the importance of first impressions. Those lessons deeply influenced her children, guiding them toward meaningful lives and careers in fashion design, electrical and computer engineering, jewelry design, social work and psychology, community service, and entrepreneurship.

As the mother of five, Elsie was known for lovingly calling out several names before landing on the right one, a familiar moment that became a cherished family tradition. Her presence was warm, guiding, and constant, and her influence continues to live on through the values she instilled and the love she gave so freely.

Elsie is now reunited with her beloved husband, Arnold. She will be remembered as a woman of elegance, creativity, devotion, and strength a mother who led with love and a matriarch who held her family together in every season of life.

She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.