Jessie Perez, 92, of Galesburg, Illinois, died peacefully Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at Seminary Manor, Galesburg.
Jessie was born June 9, 1933, in Galesburg, the daughter of Pedro and Delphina (Galves) Leon. She married Lupe Perez on June 9, 1952, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Galesburg. He preceded her in death after 61 years of marriage on March 24, 2014.
Jessie is survived by one son, Jack (Cathy Bergmann) Perez of Galesburg; two daughters, Linda Nolta and Teresa (Tom) Mackey, both of Galesburg; one brother, Sam Leon of Galesburg; and one sister, Mary Vega of Galesburg. Jessie is also survived by her beloved seven grandchildren, Simeon (Heidi) Nolta, Adrienne Heba, Anthony (Shannon) Nolta, Valerie (Brian) Tucker, Mariah (Keith) Quick, and Brandi (Brandon) Smith; 11 great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; and her dear friend, Vicki McVey. Along with her parents and husband, Jessie was preceded in death by two sisters, Lupita and Julia; one brother, Manuel; two grandsons, Adam Perez and Brent Mackey; and a son-in-law, Greg Nolta.
Jessie and Lupe owned and operated John’s Taco Hideout in Galesburg for 30 years from 1964 until their retirement in 1994. Jessie continued to be a fixture at the Hideout helping her son Jack. She made many lifelong friends from the restaurant. She was a lifelong devoted member of St. Patrick Catholic Church. She loved spending time with her family and going shopping.
Visitation will be 2-4 p.m. Sunday, January 4, 2026, at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. The rosary will be prayed at 4 p.m. Funeral Mass for Jessie will be 10 a.m. Monday, January 5, 2026, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Galesburg; Father Jeffrey Stirniman will officiate. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Galesburg. Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or St. Patrick Catholic Church. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
