Sally Ann Perez, a longtime resident of Manteca, California, passed away peacefully at home on March 8, 2026. She was born in 1929 in Vacaville, California, to her parents, Maria and Eduardo Escano.
Sally was raised alongside her two sisters, Mary Ford of Sacramento and Edna Pool of Fresno. A bright and dedicated student, she graduated from Armijo High School in Fairfield at the young age of 17. She married the love of her life, James Z. Perez, in 1946. In 1953, they made their home in Manteca, where Jim opened a small grocery store and together, they built a life centered around family and community.
Sally was a devoted mother, grandmother, and homemaker who took great pride in caring for her family. She was an exceptionally talented seamstress, creating and altering clothing with great skill, including many beautiful dresses for her daughters. She had a deep love for nature, especially flowers, birds, and animals—and was a true cat lover. An avid reader, Sally, could often be found enjoying a good book with her cats nearby. She was also a dedicated sports fan who cheered on her favorite San Francisco teams—the 49ers, Warriors, and Giants—as well as the Duke Blue Devils in college basketball.
Sally is preceded in death by her beloved husband, James Z. Perez; her son, Ed Perez; son-in-law, Randy Harris; her sister, Mary Ford; and her parents, Maria and Eduardo Escano.
She is survived by her children, Karen Harrison (Allen) of Modesto, Celeste Harris, of Manteca, Dennis Perez (Stephanie) of Manteca, and Melanie Ota (Calvin) of Stockton; her daughter-in-law, Ramona Perez of Lebanon, Oregon; her sister, Edna Pool of Fresno; her twelve grandchildren, Krista, Megan, Ryan, Jason, Jimmy, Aimee, Dennis, Sarah, Kimi,
Masie, Larry, and Kenji; and her 22 great-grandchildren.
Services for Sally will be held at P.L. Fry & Son Funeral Home, Monday, March 23, 2026, with a viewing and visitation from 4:00-6:00 p.m., followed by the recitation of the rosary and vigil at 6:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, followed by a graveside service at St. John’s Catholic Cemetery.
Sally Ann Perez will be remembered for her intelligence, integrity, and unconditional love. She took an active role in the lives of her children and grandchildren, who cherished and
admired her deeply. Her legacy of love and devotion will live on through the many lives she touched.
Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin
Thursday, March 19, 2026
