Zenaida Villa Perez

Zenaida Villa Perez, 95, passed away March 3, 2025 after a brief illness.

Born January 08, 1930 in Boca de Sama, Oriente, Cuba, "Z" as she was affectionately known, was an Akron area resident since 1967. Zenaida was a strong and resilient woman who displayed amazing courage by bringing her young children Ana & Luis Jr. from Cuba to the U.S. to provide them with a better life. She endured incredible adversity while sacrificing everything for her family. Her fortitude came to fruition when she became an American citizen alongside her daughter, Ana, which was one of her most treasured memories. All that she did was for others, whether it be out of her extraordinary love for her family or for friends that became just as close over the years. Her kindheartedness shined bright through her work as a wonderful cook in the foodservice industry at local restaurants. When she wasn't working, she shared her culinary gift by always hosting gatherings in her home. Zenaida enjoyed holding onto her rich Cuban culture through food, music, and telenovelas. She had a remarkable wit and sense of humor that could lighten any situation. Her intelligence was astounding, especially with her natural aptitude for math. The special bond she shared with her grandson, Brenan, brought so much joy and pride to both of their lives. Their close relationship provided them with such spirit and purpose in the time they shared. Zenaida will be remembered above all for her heartfelt integrity and being a pillar of perseverance and protection for those she held most dear.

Zenaida is survived by her loving daughter, Ana (Nick) Betro; grandson, Brenan; sisters, Rosalba Pavon of Miami and Iliana Villa Sierra of Cuba; several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her grandmother who raised her, Maria Magdalena Diaz; her husband Luis J. Perez, her son, Luis J. Perez Jr., and nephew Jose Pavon.

The family would like to thank the amazing staff at The Gardens of Cuyahoga Falls, who showed "Z" much love, support and friendship over the last four years. Zenaida will miss all the wonderful friends she made with her fellow residents at The Gardens. The family would also like to share their appreciation for the attentive care from Traditions Health Hospice in her final days.

Visitation hours will be Thursday, March 6, 2025, 4pm to 7pm at the Ciriello & Carr Falls Chapel (810 Portage Tr, Cuyahoga Falls, OH). Funeral service will take place at 12:30pm on Friday, March 7, 2025 at Holy Family Catholic Church (3179 Kent Rd, Stow, OH), conducted by Rev. Michael McCandless. Burial will follow at Northlawn Memorial Gardens (4724 State Rd, Peninsula, OH). 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The LeBron James Family Foundation (www.lebronjamesfamilyfoundation.org), or The Stephen A. Comunale Jr. Family Cancer Foundation (www.stephencomunale.org).