OBITUARIES

Seraphina Joyce Pereira (née Gray)

Seraphina Joyce Pereira (née Gray) passed away unexpectedly on October 19, 2026, leaving behind a family who loved her deeply and will forever cherish her memory.

Born in Harris, New York, to Kay and Stanley Gray, Seraphina entered the world with a larger-than-life presence, even in her tiny frame. She was a bald, cute little baby, but her dad, Deacon Stanley Gray, always said she would grow some hair later. Many years later, she did.

She attended Newburgh Free Academy and Valley Central High School before going on to earn her GED. She was also a lifelong member of St. Mark's Baptist Church, where she was raised, under the leadership of current Pastor Christopher Scott and First Lady Virginia Scott. With a natural heart for helping others and a deep sense of compassion, Seraphina eventually found her calling in the healthcare field, dedicating herself to caring for others as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).

From the very beginning, Seraphina possessed a magnetic personality that drew people to her. She had a way of making herself known, making people laugh, and turning ordinary moments into unforgettable memories. She and her sister used to laugh about Pastor Scott back in the day, when he had a Jheri curl. They joked that he was auditioning for Michael Jackson's "Thriller" because he loved Michael Jackson. They also joked that First Lady met him because she was following the drip.

Seraphina loved life and embraced it fully. Whether traveling, discovering the best food a town had to offer, spending time with loved ones, or dancing at every opportunity, she had a way of making every experience her own.

She was effortlessly charismatic, unapologetically authentic, and full of personality. Her confidence, individuality, and unmistakable edge were reflected in everything she did, especially when she danced. Wherever the music played, chances were Seraphina was right there, moving to the rhythm and reminding everyone around her what it meant to enjoy life. She didn't just attend the moment; she made the moment.

Above all else, Seraphina's greatest love was her children. She was an amazing mother whose love knew no limits. She poured her heart, time, and energy into loving, nurturing, teaching, encouraging, and supporting them. She wanted nothing more than to see her children grow, thrive, and become the best versions of themselves, all while making room for laughter, adventure, and fun along the way.

She made even the simplest moments special and created memories that her children will carry with them for a lifetime. Being their mother was one of the greatest expressions of who she was, and her love for them will remain an everlasting part of her legacy.

Seraphina leaves behind a family who loves her immeasurably and whose lives are forever changed by her presence. She is survived by her father, Stanley Gray (Belinda); her mother-in-law, Grisel Pereira (Jose); her father-in-law, Marcelino P. (Awilda); her beloved children, Marcelino Pereira, Nehemiah Pereira, Anayelli Lozano, and Manuel Lozano; two stepchildren, Camryn and Marcelino Pereira; and her siblings, Sha-Renya Gray, Davonna Gray, Chanel Gray, Stanley Gray Jr., Kayla Gray, and Jeremiah Gray.

She also leaves behind her sister-in-law, Brenda, a host of brothers-in-law, cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends who will continue to celebrate the life and memories they shared with her.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Marcelino Pereira, and her loving mother, Kay Gray.

Though Seraphina's life ended unexpectedly, the joy, laughter, love, and unforgettable energy she brought into this world will never be forgotten. Her life was a reminder to embrace the moment, dance whenever the opportunity presents itself, find joy in the little things, and love wholeheartedly. Her presence was one of a kind, and there will never be another quite like her.