Michaelann Perea

Michaelann Perea was born on February 12, 1987, in Las Vegas, NM. She passed away on Wednesday, September 7, 2022, doing what she loved: raising money to better the lives of others. Michaelann inspired and changed many lives and truly cared for everyone she encountered. She was dynamic, cheerful, and loved with all her heart. 

Michaelann was a 2005 West Las Vegas High School graduate, where she participated in Cross-Country, Track, and Cheerleading. She and her friends started a band called MVS and performed at various venues around Las Vegas. She graduated with honors and at the top of her class. Michaelann went on to graduate from New Mexico Highlands University with a BA in Social Work. 

She married her college sweetheart Israel Perea on September 19, 2016. They shared a beautiful life in Santa Fe where she began her career with Los Alamos National Bank.  Michaelann then joined First National 1870, and its Guardian Mortgage Division, and flourished in her role as the New Mexico Area Manager. Michaelann was awarded the 2016 “Top Producer” award for Guardian's New Mexico Team and Guardian’s “Rising Star” award in recognition of being a colleague who has demonstrated commitment and production achievements. She also received the prestigious President’s Club award in 2018, 2020 and 2021.  The President’s Club is awarded to the top 10 producers throughout Guardian Mortgage.  

Her most recent accolade was being named in the inaugural class of “40 Under 40 Top Business Leaders” by the Santa Fe Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. In 2014 she was named affiliate of the year by the Santa Fe Association of Realtors where was also the Chair and Events Chair. 

Michaelann was the epitome of service above self. She was the Director of Development Trustee and board member for the Children’s Museum, creating a mobile museum for kids in the community.  She was also the chair of the Santa Fe Community Services Committee as well as the Public Image Chair for the Rotary Club of Santa Fe. For her Rotary Service, she received the Distinguished Service Award for 2022 and was currently working on starting new Rotary Clubs in Mexico and El Paso. Michaelann was also a dedicated volunteer at Pancakes on the Plaza. Another ongoing project was the partnership that she created with Habitat for Humanity to support building homes in Santa Fe. 

She was very involved with her children’s schools and sports; always serving as an active member of the Parent Teachers Association and supporting opportunities to raise money for their schools. As a Cheer Central Suns parent, she was last year's Team Parent Representative and she helped to organize the St. Jude fundraiser for the NM location and was a member of their Sun Dried Team. 

Everyone who knew Michaelann knew she loved to dance. She was a founding member of the Santa Rueda performance dance group where she taught three levels of classes in Salsa Rueda.  Michaelann also danced with Los Rumberos where she performed in many cities in New Mexico.  She attended National Dance Festivals all over the USA, performing and competing with her companies and friends. She was one of the most accomplished Latin Dancers in all the Latin genres, including Salsa, Merengue, Chachacha, and her favorite Bachata Dancing.  Michaelann’s contribution to the Latin Dance community in New Mexico is simply invaluable.  

Michaelann was also a BeachBody coach encouraging healthy living for many people.  During COVID she opened her program virtually and encouraged many to be healthy with her.  

She was a member of the Grove of Santa Fe Christian Church. For many years she and her family raised money for Bike for the Light, riding in support of World Serve International and Convoy of Hope to raise money for children and families who go without clean water for Navajo Nations and Africa. 

She was preceded in death by maternal grandparents Isidro and Rita Gutierrez, sister Kaitlyn Marie Cavazos, father Joey Crespin, uncle Timothy Cavazos, paternal grandparents Johnny Crespin and Helen Gutierrez, father-in-law Felix Gonzales and brother-in-law Enoch Gonzales.  

Michaelann is survived by her husband Israel Perea and children Jaden, Caleb and Brooke Perea (Santa Fe). Her parents are Chris and Isabel Cavazos (Las Vegas). Grandparents Cruz and Socorro Cavazos (Albuquerque), Mother-in-law Sylvia Perea Gonzales (Santa Fe). Brothers Chris and wife Jessica Cavazos (Nebraska), Joseph Crespin (Las Vegas), sisters Krysten Cavazos (Las Vegas), and Justine Crespin (Santa Fe). Uncle’s Michael Gutierrez, wife Lisa (Albuquerque), Frankie Crespin, partner George (Arizona), and James Crespin (Albuquerque), Aunt Cynthia Cavazos Lloyd, husband Dave (Albuquerque), nephew CJ Cavazos and niece Katelyn Grace Cavazos (Nebraska) and many loving Great-Uncles, Aunts and cousins. 

Pallbearers are: Joseph Crespin, Brian Cavazos-Galvez, Ryan Gutierrez, David Gutierrez, Carlos Mora, Carlos Fontana, CJ Cavazos, and Bob Ortega. Honorary Pallbearers are: Patrick Gutierrez, Ruben Desangles & Pedro Arias-Gil, Griselda Guevara, Beverly Chapman, Dolores Overton, Mia Gutierrez, and Erica Cordova

In lieu of flowers please make a memorial contribution through GoFundMe with all money going to the future educational expenses of her kids, Jaden, Caleb, and Brooke. https://gofund.me/f435e0a2

All services are under the direction of Berdanelli’s Funeral Home. Services are as  follows:

Salsa Dancing

Wednesday, September 14, 2022 from 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM

Berardinelli - McGee Event Center

1320 Luisa St.

Santa Fe, New Mexico 87505

Celebration of Life

Thursday, September 15, 2022 at 11:00 AM

Light at Mission Viejo

4601 Mission Bend

Santa Fe, NM 87507

Burial

Thursday, September 15, 2022 at 3:30 PM

Sunset Memorial Park in Albuquerque, NM

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