Obituary of Carolina Gan Yen Perez

Carolina Gan Yen Lee Perez

1941 – 2026

Carolina Gan Yen Lee Perez, 85, passed away peacefully on July 15th, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born in Havana, Cuba, Carolina was part of the vibrant Chinese-Cuban community, a singular culture forged from two proud heritages. She came to the United States in 1961, settling in New York City, where she put down roots, built a life, and started a family. 

As a young woman in Cuba, Carolina devoted herself to ballet, carrying within her the dream of a ballerina, a dream that spoke to her discipline, her elegance, and her deep love of beauty. That love never left her. Carolina also had a deep love of travel, a passion that took root in her family and lives on in those she leaves behind.

Carolina was smart, courageous, and impossible to forget. Her laugh was loud and generous, the kind that filled a room and lingered long after she left it. She was a storyteller, recalling details that others would let slip away, the weather on a particular afternoon, the exact words someone spoke decades ago, because every detail of life was worth remembering.

She shared her life with her beloved husband, Mario Perez, who was her partner and companion until his passing in 2002. Together, they built a family rooted in love, in the richness of their Cuban and Chinese heritage, and in the warmth of an extended family.

Above all, Carolina was devoted to her family and her Catholic faith, a steady source of comfort and strength throughout her life. 

Carolina is survived by her son, George; her daughter, Caroline; her son-in-law, Michael, and her grandchildren, Alexia, Nina, and Adrian; and her sisters Hildelisa, Violeta, and Sofia. 

Carolina Gan Yen Lee Perez lived with her whole heart. She will be deeply missed and never forgotten.