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Dianne (Strong) Perez, 75, of Lehigh Acres, FL, passed away surrounded by the love of her family on August 24, 2026, near her home at Hope Hospice.
Dianne was born on October 3, 1950, in Endicott, NY, to Victor M. Strong and Alfreida (Gizowski) Schwertfager. She graduated with the Class of 1968 from Dunkirk High School in Dunkirk, NY. It was during high school that Dianne met the love of her life, Pete (Edgardo) Perez Bauza. They married on April 12, 1969, at Holy Trinity Church and went on to raise their two daughters in Dunkirk before retiring to Florida in 2010.
She worked as a lunch monitor at Holy Trinity School while her daughters were in school there. She helped with activities at Holy Trinity including Bingo and the PTO. After, she went on to work at School 4.
Dianne was an avid baker, and her beloved Christmas cookies became a cherished family tradition that continues through her daughters and grandchildren. She was lovingly known as "Gooma" by her grandchildren and took great joy in spending time with her family. Her great-grandson, Liam, especially loved playing games and eating cake with his Gooma.
Dianne is survived by her daughter, Gina (Perez) Dengler, and her husband, Paul; grandchildren, Silence (Dengler) Cruz and her husband, Jon Cruz; Noah Dengler and his partner, Ashlyn Gallagher; and a great-grandson, Liam Brooks.
She is also survived by her daughter, Stephanie (Perez) Figueroa, and her husband, Mike; and grandchildren, Isaac Figueroa and Sofia Figueroa.
Dianne's life was enriched by many nieces, nephews, godchildren, extended family members, and dear friends. At the age of 14, she met her lifelong best friend, Ellen (Schmitz) Franklin of Portland, NY. Their friendship remained strong throughout the decades, and Ellen and her family were by Dianne's side as she passed from this world.
Dianne was preceded in death by her brother, Allen Strong; her father, Victor Strong; and her mother, Alfreida (Gizowski) Schwertfager.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Florida Cancer Specialist Foundation: https://wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?
name=E163958&id=9
A church service will be held on September 11th, 10am at St. Rafael's Catholic Church in Lehigh Acres.