Ileana Wiesse

Ileana Wiesse, 95, passed away peacefully on September 2, 2026, in Arlington, Texas, surrounded by the love of her immediate family, to whom she had devoted so much of her life.

Born on January 18, 1931, in Callao, Peru, Ileana was the daughter of Carlos O. Perez and Josefina A. Vega de Perez. She grew up in Callao and Lima as the second oldest of five sisters: Norah, Ileana, Miryam, Doris, and Marlene.

From an early age, Ileana assumed the role of caregiver within her family. Because her mother was very young when she was born, Ileana became a second mother to her younger sisters. Those who knew her understood that caring for others was not simply something she did—it was who she was.

She married Jorge D. Wiesse, and together they began their life as a family, spending two years living in Honduras before returning to Peru, where they welcomed their only son, Carlos, in 1961. As Carlos grew, Ileana’s devotion extended beyond her immediate family. She cared for her nieces and nephews as though they were her own children, and they looked to her as a second mother. Because Carlos was an only child, his cousins became the siblings he never had, and Ileana embraced them as an inseparable part of her family. Her home was a place where generations of relatives found comfort, guidance, and unconditional love.

In 1978, Ileana, Jorge, and Carlos immigrated to the United States. They first settled in Denton, Texas, before later moving to Dallas. Eventually, Ileana made her home in Arlington, where she would live for more than 40 years.

Following the loss of her beloved husband, Jorge, on September 26, 1986, Ileana continued to devote herself to caring for the people she loved. She welcomed her father, her sister Miryam, and later her mother into her home during their final years, providing each of them with comfort, dignity, and unwavering compassion. They were surrounded by Ileana’s love and care until the end of their lives.

Ileana was remarkably gifted with her hands. An accomplished knitter, seamstress, painter, and craftswoman, she possessed a rare ability to create beautiful things with extraordinary skill and patience. Together, she and her husband took great pride in tackling ambitious creative projects with craftsmanship and dedication. She also expressed her love through her cooking, preparing delicious Peruvian meals that brought family together around the table. Ileana found great happiness in the comfort of her home, where she enjoyed the company of those she loved most. She cherished the conversations, laughter, and connections shared with family and friends, often spending hours talking with the people who were closest to her heart.

Above all, Ileana was a deeply devoted mother and grandmother. She was a constant source of love, guidance, and encouragement to her son, Carlos, and treasured every moment spent with her grandchildren, Ana Lucia Wiesse and Elio Paolo Wiesse. She lovingly cared for them throughout their childhood, creating memories and traditions they will carry with them for the rest of their lives. After Zaira lost her own mother in 2001, Ileana embraced her as a daughter, providing love, emotional support, and comfort during the years that followed.

Ileana is survived by her son, Carlos Wiesse; her daughter-in-law, Zaira Camerin; her grandchildren, Ana Lucia Wiesse and Elio Paolo Wiesse; her sister, Marlene Razetto; and the many nieces, nephews, relatives, and dear friends whose lives were enriched by her kindness.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jorge D. Wiesse; her parents, Carlos O. Perez and Josefina A. Vega de Perez; and her sisters, Norah, Miryam, and Doris.

Ileana's legacy cannot be measured simply by the years she lived, but by the countless lives she touched. She devoted herself to caring for her husband, parents, sisters, son, grandchildren, extended family, and friends with quiet strength, generosity, and unwavering love. She asked for little in return and found her greatest purpose in making others feel cared for.

Those who knew Ileana will remember her gentle spirit, steadfast faith, generous heart, and the warmth she brought into every home she entered.

She spent her life taking care of the people she loved, and in return, she was deeply loved.