Perez, Susan Elaine, 66, of Pewaukee, passed away peacefully Saturday, June 10, 2023, at ProHealth AngelsGrace in Oconomowoc after a valiant battle with cancer. She fought courageously since her diagnosis in 2020.
Elaine was born November 29, 1956, in Muskegon, Michigan, to Anthony and Veronica (Markiewicz) Stano. She graduated from Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 1978. After graduation she moved to Madison, Wisconsin, where she met and married her husband James Perez. They enjoyed many happy memories together during their 40 years of marriage.
Elaine had various occupations but she was most proud of opening That Coffee Place in Brookfield, Wisconsin, with her two best friends Mary Lopez and Mary Michalak. She had a passion for people and That Coffee Place allowed her to make numerous friends and acquaintances throughout the years, many of whom are still very important to her even today.
Elaine was loved by everyone who met her. Once you met her, you wanted her to be your friend. She had a wonderful heart and many caring ways. Her never-ending desire to help others will be greatly missed by all. Elaine never met a dog that she didn’t love. She also had an admiration for music and playing the guitar.
She went on to work at Bluemound Golf and Country Club and m2 Lease Funds in Brookfield. Elaine had a real passion for the game of golf and her time at Bluemound gave her an opportunity to be close to the game she loved.
She is survived by her beloved husband James and her step-daughter, Tina (Greg) Gavin. Elaine will be dearly missed by her sister Beverly (Anthony) Maltese, their children Anthony (Valerie) Maltese, Amanda (Eric) Sayler and Thomas Maltese and his partner Bradley Evans. She is also survived by her brother Randy (Karen) Stano and their daughters, Stephanie (Todd) Harbin and Amy (Caleb) Fisher. Elaine is preceded in death by her parents and her loving brother Gary Stano.
A funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 AM, Thursday, June 22, 2023, at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 1755 North Calhoun Road, Brookfield, Wisconsin, 53005. Family and friends are welcome to gather before the service at 10:00 AM.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in the name of Elaine Perez to the Elmbrook Humane Society, HAWS of Waukesha County or the American Cancer Society.
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