Surrounded by the love of her family and held in prayer, Aurora Mireles Pérez (Tía/Sarge) peacefully entered eternal rest on September 14, 2026, at the age of 84.

A lifelong resident of Corpus Christi, Aurora was born on March 24, 1942, to Erbey Rodriguez Pérez and Guadalupe Reyes Mireles. She graduated from Miller High School in 1961 and went on to obtain an associate degree in nursing from Del Mar College in 1963. She worked for 43 years as a Registered Nurse until her retirement in 2006 from Bay Area Hospital, where she worked as an OR nurse.

Known as “Tía” to her whole family young and old, no matter how closely related, and as “Sarge” to her friends and colleagues, Aurora knew how to enjoy life. She loved traveling and camping in her RV, journeying all over the U.S. with friends. She treasured the time spent with her friends and especially valued the friendships she developed throughout her nursing career. She enjoyed playing softball and watching sports, no matter how frustrating the Cowboys were that year. She loved a good medium-rare prime rib. And she spent so much of her life taking care of and watching over family.

An extraordinary woman needed in an extraordinary time, after the passing of her sister and, later, her sister-in-law, Aurora stepped in to help raise 15 nieces and nephews. Her youngest niece, Shirley, was raised by Aurora as her own daughter, creating a bond that went far beyond that of aunt and niece. She would become so much more than a Tía to those children, and to all of their children and grandchildren who followed. She was love. She was guidance. She was support and stability. She was a pillar of the family. She was home.

Her importance and impact are truly beyond words. The love and care that Aurora radiated will live on through her family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Guadalupe and Erbey Perez; her sister, Adela P. Rodriguez, and brother-in-law, Michael A. Rodriguez; her brother, Andres M. Perez, and sister- in-law, Sylvia Casas Perez; her niece, Betty Ann Rodriguez; her nephews, Stephen Arnold Perez and Charles Andrew Perez; and her sister at heart, Jesusa Treviño.

She leaves behind her daughter, Shirley Andrea Fernandez; granddaughter, Araceli Eliana Fernandez; and grandson, Jordan Andrew Perez.

She is also survived by her nieces, JoAnn Martinez, Alma Jean Rodriguez, Sylvia Perez, Sandra Perez, Sharon Perez, Susan Rodriguez, and Rachel (Marcus) Martinez; Darlene Bennett Perez, wife of the late Charles A. Perez; and her nephews, Michael (Michelle) Rodriguez, Adolfo (Rosario) Rodriguez, Samuel (Mary) Rodriguez, Alex (Cynthia) Perez, Jesse (Susan) Rodriguez, James Perez, John Michael (Iris) Rodriguez, and Christopher (Samantha) Rodriguez.

She is also survived by Anthony Fernandez, former husband of Shirley, and her sister at heart, Simona Martinez.

Aurora found great pride and joy in her 43 great-nieces and great-nephews, 53 great-great- nieces and great-great-nephews, and countless extended family members and dear friends.

The family of Aurora Perez would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Robert Mitchell and Dr. Timothy Van Frank for the extraordinary care, compassion, and support they provided to our Tia Aurora. Whether she was in the hospital or being seen in the office, they were always there for her and for our family.

We would also like to thank the wonderful nurses at Mi Familia who cared for her with such kindness and compassion. A very special thank you to Reagan and Michelle, the final two nurses who cared for her at CHRISTUS Spohn Shoreline. Your gentleness, guidance, and support helped our family through the difficult transition into her final days, and we will always be grateful for the comfort and dignity you gave her.

PALLBEARERS:  

SAMUEL RODRIGUEZ JR. 

KEVIN LEE PEREZ  

JAMES G RODRIGUEZ 

JORDAN PEREZ

ERIC PEREZ

JAMES M RODRIGUEZ

CHRIS RODRIGUEZ

JARED RODRIGUEZ

HONORARY PALLBEARER 

MICHAEL D RODRIGUEZ

Visitation will begin at 4:00 p.m. with a Holy Rosary to be recited at 6:30. p.m. on Friday, September 25, 2026 at Guardian Funeral Home. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 26, 2026 at St. Thomas More Catholic, Church, 2045 18th. St. Burial will follow at Memory Gardens cemetery.