Daisy Perez
Daisy Perez
Daisy Cabahug Perez was born on November 14, 1951, in Mandaue, Cebu, Philippines, the daughter of Carlos Perez and Candelaria Cabahug. An entry in her father's small notebook describes the occasion.
Tenth - Daughter Daisy Perez
Born 7:30 A.M. 11/14/51
Baptized, 2/2/52 - Luisa Sy Echavez, Godmother
Daisy grew up in Mandaue, where she completed her elementary education in Mandaue Central School. Her high school education was at the Colegio de la Inmaculada Concepcion, a girls school run by the Daughters of Charity. Following high school, Daisy studied Food Science at the University of the Philippines, Los Baños, where she earned a B.S. Finally, Daisy completed her education at the University of Missouri - Columbia earning an M.S. in Food Science in 1980. Her Master's thesis was titled "Fermentation of Corn Meal with Candida tropicalis ATCC 1269 and its Effect on the B Vitamins and Relative Nutritive Value."
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| Daisy with son Arvin |
Following graduation, Daisy accepted a position in the Quality Control department of Kraft Foods, in Springfield, Missouri. She soon transferred a Kraft Head Quarters office in Glenview, Illinois. In 1984, Daisy married Prakash Temkar, whom she had met at the University of Missouri. They settled in Wheeling, IL, where they lived from 1985 until 1989. Arvin, their son, was born in 1986 at Park Ridge, IL. Subsequently Daisy moved to Japan where Prakash was transferred to an Army base in Camp Zama, about 35 km southwest of Tokyo. In 1992, they returned to Champaign-Urbana, IL. Tara, their daughter, was born in 1993 in Urbana. They moved to Peachtree City, GA in 1994 and lived there until 1998. Finally, they returned to Camp Zama, Japan. Both of their children graduated from the American High School at Camp Zama, Japan.
While Daisy and family lived in Japan, Daisy taught English to many older Japanese, including university students and business men. Not only did this provide income, for Daisy it was a great joy to help her students and she made many lasting friends.
After her family, Daisy had two other major joys in her life, plants and travel. Where possible she grew plants and flowers, particularly orchids which she often collected on visits to the Philippines. Daisy's travels took her to many countries in Asia, including South Korea, China, Hong Kong, Thailand and India. She also visited several countries in Europe.
In the Spring of 2013, Daisy was diagnosed with lung cancer; a particular for of small cell lung cancer caused by a somatic mutation. This particular form can be treated by a specific inhibitor. Initially, the "Golden Pill" showed promise, however, the tumor had metastasized to the liver. Daisy fought bravely throughout and always maintained her cheerful outlook. She breathed her last on November 24, 2013, surrounded by her husband and children. After a traditional Filipino Novena, Daisy was interred the Perez family mausoleum in Mandaue, Cebu. Daisy's love of life are captured a poem written by her son, Arvin, and the eulogy spoken by her daughter, Tara. The latter includes the following comments
"She was a strong woman with a tough exterior. She never showed her emotions and hardly told her children and husband she loved them. Instead she showed her emotions through her actions by cooking us delicious meals or by telling her children to come home before it got dark.."
We will always remember Daisy's smile.
