Mary Agnes Perez, owned Dockside Gift Shop
Mary Agnes Perez, 91, affectionately known as “Toots” and “Sis,” passed away peacefully Monday, April 21, 2025, in Lewes.
Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., Dec. 16, 1933, to Irish immigrants Owen and Delia Agnes (Gavin) Travers, Mary was the eldest daughter of five children. Raised in the Fort Greene neighborhood, she was a devoted member of Queen of All Saints Church and began helping her father sell tea and eggs in the community at a young age.
In 1950, she married Richard J. Perez I, and together they built a loving family, first in Brooklyn and later in New Jersey, where they welcomed three more children. In 1976, they moved to Dover, before settling permanently in Lewes the following year. A proud small business owner, Mary operated the beloved Dockside Gift Shop in Lewes from 1977 until her retirement in 2005. The shop became a cherished local fixture, and many still fondly recall shopping with her. At the same time, she worked as a waitress at the Lamp Post Restaurant in Rehoboth, where she created lasting friendships with locals and visitors alike. Mary was deeply involved in her community. She served on the Lewes Parks and Recreation Commission, where her work on the 1812 Memorial Park earned recognition from former Mayor Jim Ford. She also served as treasurer of the Lewes Chamber of Commerce and volunteered for programs, including the Little Disciples Program at St. Jude’s Catholic Church, where she was a devoted parishioner. She had a deep love for her family and faith, and delighted in gardening, dancing, and enjoying fine dining.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Richard J. Perez I; and her brother, Eugene Travers.
She is survived by her five loving children, Richard J. Perez II (Corina) of Lewes; Delia G. Perez of National Park, N.J.; Alison C. Sage of Asheville, N.C.; Helen P. Naylor (Robert) of Lewes; and Rita J. Perez of Newark. She is also survived by her siblings, Barbara Mascia of Queens, N.Y.; Thomas Travers (Geraldine) of Phoenix, Ariz.; and Teresa Barberi of Staten Island, N.Y.; six grandchildren, Michael A. Perez, Jake Hagerman, Jessica Naylor, Harta Naylor and Carie Cagle; and three great-grandchildren, Jackson Hagerman, Tallianna Perez, and Alaric Cagle.
Mary leaves behind a legacy of love, service, and community spirit. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, May 2, at St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church, 152 Tulip Drive, Lewes, where friends and family are invited to visit from 10 to 11 a.m. Interment will follow at St. Peter's Cemetery, 660 Pilottown Road, Lewes.
Donations in Mary's memory are suggested to Meals on Wheels, cheerde.com/meals-wheels; or the CHEER Center, 546 S. Bedford St., Georgetown, DE 19947.
Visit Mary’s Life Memorial webpage and sign the tribute wall at parsellfuneralhomes.com.
