Maria J. Perez Benitoa

Maria J. Perez Benitoa, age 94, passed away peacefully Tuesday evening, July 5, 2016, in Crestview.  She was born April 12, 1922 in Havana, Cuba, to the late Antonio and Manuela Plasencia.  She was an accomplished cosmetologist and during the 1950s, was the personal hairdresser of Marta Batista, Cuba’s First Lady and wife of President Fulgencio Batista.  In 1962, Maria and her 5 year old son, Oscar fled the tyranny of Fidel Castro for freedom in the United States.  Maria’s warmth and exuberance for life was evident in her appreciation of music and dance, her love of socializing, and especially in the time she spent with her precious family.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jose Perez Benitoa.

Maria leaves behind her son and daughter-in-law, Oscar and Genia Perez; a sister, Mercedes Quert; four grandchildren, Marc Perez, James Gasbarro, Cori Goldsmith and Austin Smith; two great grandchildren, Trey Perez and Emidio Gasbarro.

A Celebration of Maria’s life will take place at 7 PM on Monday evening, July 11, 2016, at Whitehurst Powell Funeral Home.  The family will receive friends that evening from 6 until 8 PM.

Arrangements are entrusted to Whitehurst Powell Funeral Home in Crestview.  Guest book and condolences are available online at www.whitehurstpowellfuneralhome.com

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