Jessie Burgos Perez

Jessie Burgos Perez was born nearly a century ago on her family’s Sinaloa ranch, the first child of Herlinda and Baltazar. Growing up in Simi Valley as a proud child of Mexican heritage, she attended school in the old bungalows — and those early years were the reason she blamed on a slight accent throughout her life. Only in high school did Jessie finally leave those bungalows behind.

Her childhood in the valley remained one of her greatest treasures. Whenever she returned to visit, she longed to see the old neighborhood, even though time had reshaped it beyond recognition.

In 1953, Jessie’s best friend Connie Luna invited her on a trip to San Francisco to visit relatives — an invitation that changed everything. During that visit, Jessie met Al, the man who would become her husband. He showed the two friends around the city, took them to shows, and swept Jessie into a whirlwind romance that soon blossomed into a lifelong partnership.

Jessie and Al were married on May 23, 1954, at St. Rose of Lima Church, now part of the Strathearn Historical Park and Museum. Her wedding photo is proudly displayed there today.

The newlyweds first made their home in San Francisco before settling in Richmond, where Jessie created a beautiful garden, she adored. Determined to gain independence, she learned to drive — though not from Al, as she liked to say with a smile. After lessons, she got a job, bought her Thunderbird, and later replaced it with a yellow Mustang, both of which brought her endless joy.

Jessie remained in her beloved Richmond home until 2019, when she moved into assisted living. Even there, she kept a flower garden on her balcony, tending it with the same devotion she had shown all her life. Jamie, her physical therapist, who became her friend, visited twice a week to keep her body moving, and Patricia, her caregiver and friend, brought comfort, companionship, and laughter.

Jessie cherished countless friendships and held deep love for her family. She is reunited now with her beloved Al, her parents, and her sisters Minnie (Erminia) Barraza and Mary Lou Mosqueda. She leaves behind her brothers Henry and Baldy (Baltazar), her sisters Rose Hansen and Martha Duyst, many nieces, nephews and dear friends who will miss her profoundly.

Her life was a memorable adventure — full of love, independence, humor, and resilience. And now, as Jessie would say, a new adventure has begun.