Pearl

Villegas

Pearl Villegas, lovingly known as "Perlita" passed peacefully on February 11, 2026, at a hospital in San Jose, California, after a brief illness.  She was surrounded by the love of her devoted cousin Gloria and her beloved caregivers, Raul and Menzie, she was 68 years old and a lifelong resident of Hollister, California.

Born on October 3, 1957, in Hollister to Reina Ruiz Villegas and Jose Villegas, Perlita was raised in the heart of the Ruiz/Villegas family, where she became one of its most cherished and unforgettable members. Born with Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome), Perlita's gentle spirit, joyful nature, and unmistakable personality touched every person she encountered.

Perlita loved life's simple joys with full enthusiasm. She adored music, especially mariachi music, and could often be heard joyfully singing her signature grito "Ayy-yyy-yyy ayy!" with gusto, sometimes joining the musicians as if she were part of the band. She loved parties, laughter, babies, and being the center of attention. She was sweet and affectionate, yet also delightfully stubborn and bossy in her own way, a combination her family knew well.

She shared an especially deep bond with her mother, Reina. The two were inseparable, going everywhere together, whether it was yard sales, grocery stores, family visits, and daily outings. Perlita was well known and loved at Lucky's grocery store, where employees greeted her as a dear friend.

A year after her mother entered skilled nursing care, Perlita moved to a board-and-care home in San Jose, where she was lovingly cared for by Raul and Menzie. She adapted beautifully, thriving in her new home, attending a day program, and enjoying outings to nearby shops and malls. Frequent visits from her cousins Elsie and Gloria ensured she remained closely connected to her family. Everywhere Perlita went, she was known, loved, and remembered.

Perlita had a special fascination with babies and expectant mothers. She would confidently point and announce "boy" or "girl," certain she knew the baby's gender and, as her family fondly recalls, she was often right.

She is survived by her devoted "double" cousins Gloria Villegas Boyd and Elsie Villegas Marshall, her last surviving Aunt, Angela Villegas, and her cherished caregivers Raul and Menzie, and her large and loving Ruiz/Villegas extended family each of whom carries a special and often humorous Perlita memory. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Reina Ruiz Villegas and Jose Villegas.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Chatsworth Board & Care Home, especially Raul, Menzie, Aaron and staff as well as Valley Medical Center, Redwood Hospice and Tiffaney Lau from SARC for their compassionate care and devoted efforts on Perlita's behalf.

Perlita was truly one of a kind. Her joyful singing, spirited personality, and pure, uncomplicated love left a lasting imprint on all who knew her.  She will be remembered with deep affection and missed beyond measure by her extended family and friends.