On April 8, 2026, at 12:05 pm, my beloved daughter Anita Marie Perez, age 31, tragically lost her life after experiencing a medical emergency near the Crockett Library and subsequently being struck by a westbound Amtrak passenger train near the C&H Sugar Factory in Crockett, California. Our family is devastated and still trying to comprehend this unimaginable loss.
Born on February 4, 1995, in Vallejo, California, Anita grew up in Benicia, Vallejo, and Crockett. She attended St. Dominic’s School from kindergarten through sixth grade, where she was baptized and received her First Communion. She graduated from Carquinez Middle School in Crockett and briefly attended John Swett High School before earning her high school diploma from Fusion Academy in Walnut Creek in 2014. Anita later attended Diablo Valley College, where she explored her aspirations of becoming an electrician or a computer programmer.
Anita lived in Martinez for seven years before returning to Vallejo, touching many lives with her warmth, curiosity, and unique way of seeing the world. She was a kind soul with a gentle heart—musically gifted, artistically talented, and intellectually bright. She played multiple instruments, created beautiful artwork, practiced martial arts, and held a deep love for classical music, especially Mozart. She enjoyed anime, video games, and spending time in nature. Hiking brought her peace, and she felt most herself surrounded by trees, fresh air, and open trails.
She also had a strong passion for the U.S. Constitution, and her pride in her family’s distant connection to James Madison meant a great deal to her. Anita adored her pets—Snickers, Oliver, Molly, and Audio—who brought her comfort and joy. She cherished her many trips to the ballet with her grandmother, Kathleen, who was like a second mother to her.
Anita’s life was rich with creativity, curiosity, and love. She leaves behind a family who will forever feel her absence and forever carry her spirit.
Services
A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Dominic’s Catholic Church in Benicia on Monday, May 4, 2026, at 11:00 am,
All who knew and loved Anita—even briefly—are welcome to attend.
This GoFundMe has been created to assist her family with the unexpected expenses for her funeral services. Any contribution - whether through donating or sharing - is deeply appreciated during this heartbreaking time.
Thank you for your kindness, support, and prayers during this profoundly difficult time.
—Ruby Nicolino
