Julia Perez Perez Gonzalez Rodriguez Gould

Julia Perez Perez Gonzalez Rodriguez Gould passed away peacefully at her daughter's home in Payson, Utah, on August 1, 2026, at 2:13 p.m., surrounded by her family. She was 93 years old.

Julia’s birth was recorded on February 13, 1933, in Madrid, Spain, to Rodrigo Perez Gonzalez and Josefa Perez Rodriguez. However, Julia was actually born on February 8. Her father registered her birth several days later. Julia always celebrated her birthday on the day she entered the world on February 8.

Julia was raised in Madrid alongside her older sister, Herminia. At the age of twelve, Julia entered a Catholic boarding school and convent, where she was educated and raised by nuns until the age of twenty-one. She would recount her parents' visits and the support they showed her throughout those years. After leaving the convent at the legal age of twenty-one, she lived with her mother, a talented seamstress, alongside her sister, Herminia, and her brother-in-law, Luis. Julia met the love of her life, Bruce Donald Gould, at a swimming pool in Madrid. Bruce was stationed in Spain during his career in the United States Air Force. Their chance meeting became the beginning of a lifelong adventure that would carry them across continents and through more than six decades of marriage.

On October 25, 1961, Julia and Bruce married in Madrid. Together they shared 62 years of marriage, until his passing in October of 2023.

Following their wedding, they began a life shaped by military service, living in Nevada, Germany, Spain, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Texas before eventually settling in Provo, Utah. Their travels also took them throughout Europe, and Julia developed a lifelong love of discovering new places. Her home became a reflection of those adventures, filled with carefully chosen art, figurines, collectibles, and treasured keepsakes from around the world. Every item held a story.

Arriving in the United States without speaking English, Julia taught herself the language by watching I Love Lucy, a show she spoke of with great affection. Her determination and willingness to embrace new challenges became defining qualities throughout her life. Julia was never afraid of hard work. In the early years of raising her family, she ironed clothing for neighbors, earning twenty cents for every carefully pressed garment, helping to contribute to the family income alongside her husband, Bruce. Her meticulous attention to detail extended beyond her work and into every aspect of her home. She believed there was a place for everything, and everything belonged in its place.

After learning English, Julia began working at the steakhouse on Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha, Nebraska that would become one of her greatest joys. Julia worked as a waitress for 46 years. She especially loved working at the Red Lobster in Texas and its sister company, The Olive Garden, where she served guests at the Provo location. She became known not only for her remarkable work ethic, but for the care she extended to every person she met. She had an extraordinary gift for making others feel welcomed, remembered, and important. Many guests requested her by name, returning year after year because of the warmth she brought to every table.

Above all, Julia loved her family. She was an exceptional cook who prepared home-cooked meals ensuring her family was always cared for, even during seasons when resources were limited. Her daughters remember her not only as their mother, but as their best friend. She delighted in music and dancing, especially the years she and Bruce spent square dancing together in Texas.

She loved animals throughout her life, opening her home to dogs, birds, rabbits, turtles, ducks, hamsters, gerbils, cats, and many more. Among them, her beloved gray poodle, Paco, and her cat, Amore, held a special place in her heart. Julia was known for her vibrant spirit, her generosity, her fierce determination, and her ability to make people feel seen. She approached life with energy, resilience, and deep love for those around her, leaving an enduring impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Rodrigo Perez Gonzalez and Josefa Perez Rodriguez; her sister, Herminia Perez Perez Gonzalez Rodriguez; her beloved husband, Bruce Donald Gould; and her daughter, Irminia (Amy) Perez Barker. 

She is survived by her daughters, Susan Perez Montgomery (and husband Robert Scott Montgomery) and Luisa Perez Gould (and husband Feli Extremera Extremera); her grandchildren, Amber Moon (and husband Eric Moon), Julia Weathers, Jason Cardwell (and wife Kari Cardwell), Joseph Cardwell (and wife Ingrid Cardwell), Aubrey Montgomery (and husband Morgan Bartholomew), Jacob Montgomery, Amie Montgomery, Monica Perez Wayman, and Daniel Porras Perez; as well as twelve great-grandchildren.

Julia's family finds comfort in the memories she leaves behind: warm kitchens filled with laughter, beautifully prepared meals, stories of Spain, music, dancing, and impeccable hospitality. Her legacy continues in the family she loved so deeply and in the countless lives she touched through her kindness and generosity.