Cristina Perez-De'Tejera

Cristina Perez-De'Tejera, a beloved mother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, in Lafayette, Louisiana, at the age of 83. Cristina was born on Sunday, July 5, 1942, in Caracas, Venezuela, and her journey through life was marked by her unwavering dedication to her family and her humble, caring spirit. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, August 30, 2025 at 10:30 AM at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church in Lafayette with Fr. David Hebert as Celebrant.

Cristina pursued her education in law in Caracas, earning a law degree that would pave the way for her career as an attorney. However, after marrying her beloved husband, Enrique Tejera Marquez, she found joy and fulfillment in embracing the role of a homemaker, devoted to nurturing her children and creating a loving home. They were married for 19 years, and the love they shared remained a guiding light throughout her life.

Among her many cherished memories, summer vacations spent at Pompano Beach with her husband and children stood out as some of the most treasured experiences of her 83 years. These moments were filled with love, laughter, and the beauty of togetherness, reflecting the strong family bonds Cristina built and nurtured.

Cristina found great pleasure in painting, a hobby she embraced in her younger years and revisited once her children were raised. While she never perceived her artwork to be of significant value, to those who were fortunate enough to receive her paintings, they were beautiful pieces of art created with love and care—a true testament to her warmth and generosity.

In her later years, Cristina was proud to have become a United States Citizen in a ceremony at the immigration office in New Orleans, further solidifying her deep connections to her adopted home. She loved living in California and the Gulf Coast states of Mississippi and Louisiana, all places where she forged beautiful memories.

Cristina is survived by her devoted sons, Victorino "Victor" Jose Tejera Perez and wife, Mariana Petricca of Doral, Florida and Enrique Luis Tejera Perez and wife, Faith Tejera of Lafayette, Louisiana; her daughter, Cristina "Kitty" Tejera de Brandt, and husband, Carlos Brandt of Orlando, Florida; and her beloved grandchildren, Erica Brandt Tejera, Fabiana Tejera Petricca, and Daniela Tejera Petricca.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Alvaro Perez Luciani and Luisa Larralde de Perez, and her husband, Enrique Tejera Marquez; and her brother, Alvaro Perez Larralde.

Cristina Perez-De'Tejera will be remembered as a loving matriarch whose humility, caring nature, and independence left an enduring impact on all who knew her. Her legacy of love and dedication to family will continue to inspire those she touched throughout her remarkable life.

Sibille Funeral Home in Opelousas is in charge of arrangements and invites family and friends to leave their condolences at www.sibillefuneralhomes.com.