Palmira Perez

Palmira Perez, 85, of Bethlehem, passed away on September 19, 2025. Born in Salinas, Puerto Rico on August 26, 1940, she was the daughter of the late Julio and Petra Diaz Romero. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jose A. Perez.

Palmira was known by her family as loyal, strong willed, caring, and fiercely independent. She had a tremendous work ethic, a sharp wit, and a sarcastic sense of humor that kept everyone smiling. Above all, she loved her family, cherishing every moment spent with her children, grandchildren, and extended family.

She enjoyed watching her beloved novelas, playing games on her phone, and was well-known for the occasional mistaken phone call that reminded her family how close they always were. Palmira especially appreciated the way her family stayed connected with her.

Palmira worked as a threader for Synthetic Thread and later at Valley Food Market, where she became a familiar and friendly face to shoppers. She treasured the social aspect of her work and continued at the grocery store until the age of 78.

She will be lovingly remembered by her daughters, Nancy Rivera and husband, Oscar, and Josephine Perez and fiancé, Juan Rivera; her grandchildren, Joey Rodriguez and wife, Amanda, Lissette Pizarro and husband, Zohar Pizarro, Vicente Rodriguez and wife, Iliana Ortiz, Oscar Rivera, Jr. and wife, Alexis Santoro, and Justin Rivera and wife, Alexis Rivera; as well as 12 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren and siblings, Georgina Vasquez, and Virgillo Diaz. Palmira was predeceased by her siblings, Josefina Diaz, Ramiro Diaz, Visitacion DeJesus, Margarita Baerga, Wilfredo Diaz, Jubencio Diaz.

A visitation will be held on Friday, September 26, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. at Connell Funeral Home, 245 E. Broad St., Bethlehem, PA 18018, and again on Saturday, September 27, 2025, from 8:00 to 9:15 a.m. at the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday at Holy Infancy Catholic Church, 312 E. 4th St., Bethlehem, PA 18015. Interment will follow at Holy Saviour Cemetery.

Condolences may be offered at www.connellfuneral.com.