Alicia Maria Stiles
August 20, 1960 - October 10, 2011
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Alicia Maria Stiles
August 20, 1960 - October 10, 2011
Obituary
Alicia Maria Perez Stiles, born August 20, 1960, passed away peacefully at home in the company of her loving family, October 10, 2011 after a three-year-long battle with cancer.
Ali will always be remembered as a proud wife, mother and friend. She was source of laughter, joy, and inspiration to those who loved her.
Her family’her role as mom, wife, daughter, and sister’ was incredibly important in her life. It was this commitment to family that brought her to San Clemente fifteen years ago. She made friends very quickly, not surprising considering her warm personality and sharp sense of humor. The community that she found here gave her loving support throughout her life, and, along with her family, helped her through the trying times of her medical ordeal.
She is survived by her husband Bill, daughters Cristy and Carly, mother Alicia, and brothers Guillermo and Gabriel, and all of her extended family and friends.
A memorial service will be held at St. Andrew’s By the Sea (2001 Calle Frontera, San Clemente, CA 92673) on Sunday, October 23 at 2 pm.
Donations can be made to the USC Norris Cancer Research Center in Ali’s name at http://uscsom.convio.net/goto/ali.stiles.
36 responses to Alicia Maria Stiles
Catherine Gaudreau says:
October 16, 2011
Every memory I have of Ali shines with that gorgeous, glorious smile of hers, and that knowing twinkle in her eyes that said, “Get ready! Here comes another zinger!”
Warm-hearted, sharp-witted, fiercely-devoted — I was so lucky to be her friend. She used to say, “CG, you’re one of my oldest friends!” and then we’d laugh because, “Why must you keep calling me ‘old,’ AP?” We met as single girls in Miami, and were soon the best of friends. She gave me counsel and support when I needed it, and so much laughter and joy. She really was one of those people who bring out the best in others if I had a witty thought when I was on my own, I’d have ten of them when I was with her. She elevated everyone around her, in so many ways, just by being herself. Ali was my inspiration; she was a gift.
We’d often go out after work on a Friday night, and then Saturday morning, there she was at my apartment, waiting for me to drag my bike out so we could ride together to our aerobics class. Every time we made eye contact during the class, I’d have to give her the “stink-eye” for getting me up so early; but in truth, I only did it to make her laugh I loved to hear her crack up out loud, and I knew that one look at my pale, makeup-less, morning face with the squinty side-eyes would get the job done. Never failed to disappoint! We also spent a lot of time zipping up and down US-1 in Miami, in whatever little car she had. She told me that her grandfather used to call her “Pata Caliente” because she drove too fast; that always made me smile. Once time, her mother was apparently driving somewhere behind us on that highway when she recognized Ali’s car, but started going in and out of traffic and honking the horn like crazy trying to catch up with us and get Ali’s attention. As it turns out, Ali was wearing her hair in a side-ponytail, and seeing that from behind made her mom think she was speeding down the highway with her face turned completely to the passenger side, never once turning to look at the road in front of her. We laughed so much about that one! Those two vignettes are silly, but in truth they were simple reminders of how cherished she was by her family. I’m sure that’s why I still remember them, all these years later.
Her marriage to Billy and the life they created together is also thing of beauty; another aspect of Ali’s life that I was privileged to witness. From the outside looking in, they were each “the love of a lifetime” for the other. In my mind, they set the standard for an excellent marriage. They were so well-matched, so incredibly compatible, and such best friends and life partners. And their daughters, those wonderful girls, are Ali’s life’s work. As toddlers, they were Ali’s little “Mini-Me’s;” now, grown into two talented, beautiful young women. I too was young when my mother died, and I didn’t know how I could possibly live the rest of my without her. When I dreamed about her once, she told me, “I’m taking care within your heart, and all your life I’ll share; I’ll see you in your dreams again and hear you in your prayers.” I believe Ali will continue to be a fierce and passionate presence in the hearts and minds of her daughters, and I hope they will always find strength in the power of her love for them.
I love you so much, Ali Stiles. I am so grieved for your daughters, your husband, your mother and brothers, your extended family, and everyone that was graced by sharing this life with you — that your life was cut too short, too soon. I will never forget you, my friend, and will continue to be inspired by the person that you were, as a mother, as a wife, and as a friend. I also want you to know that I appreciate you wearing that shiny, pink, multi-bowed, rhinestone-encrusted bridemaid’s dealie in my wedding. You made even that look beautiful. <3
Catherine Gaudreau
Lourdes Geller says:
October 16, 2011
Dearest Cristy and Carly:
Even though I haven’t seen you since you were both little girls, I have been following your lives as closely as if I had lived near you. Your Abba, my dear cousin Alicia, and your Mom made sure I never missed a picture of an event that you were involved in, whether it was graduation, a prom, a first day of school or college or a recount of one of the many outstanding academic, sports or musical achievements you have accomplished throughout the years. (Many times, of course, it all would come sprinkled with your Mom’s uinimitable sense of humor.) She was so very proud of you as is the family you hardly know but who right now share in you sorrow. To you and your wonderful Dad, all our love at this time,
Tia Lourdes and family
sherry says:
October 16, 2011
Ali laughing at Billy S. is a smiling memory!
I would prefer to use John Denver’s Lyrics “Perhaps Love” on behalf of those who will fill the empty space with loving memories…..
“Perhaps love is like a resting place, a shelter from the storm.
It exists to give you comfort, it is there to keep you warm.
And in those times of trouble when you are most alone,
the memory of love will bring you home.
Perhaps love is like a window, perhaps an open door.
It invites you to come closer, it wants to show you more.
And even if you lose yourself and don’t know what to do,
the memory of love will see you through.”
Love to all.
Sherry
Celia P. Puig says:
October 17, 2011
Dear Ali Mari,
A star is named in your honor in the galaxy of the Bird of Paradise in the Northern Hemisphere.
Your beauty and courage lit up the life of those who love you. You will now shine forever.
Much love,
Celita Puig
Ben Secrest says:
October 18, 2011
Aly was always the highlight for me during all the softball games throughout the years. With her big smile she always made us feel that no matter what the score, we were all good. I was not able to see her as often as the girls got older but I know my family will miss her dearly. Our prayers are with you Stiles family.
The Secrest Family