Perla Trinidad Cudal

Visitation Date: Friday, September 20, 2024
Visitation Time: 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Funeral Date: Saturday, September 21st, 2024
Funeral Time: 9:30 am
Place of Funeral: St. Isidore Church
Funeral Notes: Family and friends are asked to begin arriving at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday morning at the Funeral Home.
Interment: Assumption Cemetery

PERLA T. CUDAL, March 29, 1936 – September 13, 2024
Perla Trinidad Cudal passed away peacefully on September 13, 2024, at the age of 88. In her final two weeks, she was surrounded by family, friends, and the beautiful sound of piano music. She was the beloved wife of Silvestre Cudal, a devoted mother to Rene (Laura) Cudal and Janina (Paul) Knechtges, and a loving grandmother of Evan and Ryan. Born on March 29, 1936, in Caloocan City, Philippines, she was the oldest of seven. She was the dear sister of Francis, Lilia, Julieta, Susan, Rosario, and Jaime. She graduated from Torres High School in 1951 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the Philippine College of Commerce and Business Administration in 1956. After earning her degree, she pursued her passion for music at Sta. Isabel College and Laperal Music Academy, graduating in 1963 with a Bachelor of Music in piano and voice. Her studies culminated in a graduation piano recital. She was frequently invited to perform as a featured singer at various official government events across provinces in the Philippines. She also worked at the Bureau of Telecommunications where she met her future husband, Silvestre Cudal, who worked there as an Electrical Engineer. Perla’s journey took her to Montreal, Canada where she immigrated in June 1966, and Silvestre and Perla got married on July 1966. Son, Rene, was born shortly after. In the 1970’s, the next chapter of their journey led them to Chicago, where their daughter Janina was born. It was during this time that her remarkable career as a piano teacher began. What started with just a few students soon blossomed, and over the next five decades, thanks to word of mouth, she taught hundreds of children. Her home became a second home and safe place for her students. Her studio traveled to frequent music competitions, primarily through the American Guild of Music, where they earned numerous championship trophies. She was also the music director for the MCU choir, a group of medical doctors who performed at annual fundraisers to raise money for medical supplies and healthcare for people in the Philippines. Throughout her life, she organized numerous benefit concerts and provided music for various church events. She was an extraordinary woman who touched the lives of many people. Alumni of her piano studio have expressed how much of an impact she made on their lives, helping shape the people they have become today. Many have gone on to become successful doctors, nurses, educators, pharmacists, entrepreneurs, etc. In addition, her studio fostered lifelong friendships among students and their families, creating a lasting community. To say her presence will be missed is an understatement. She was a selfless, beloved, and deeply respected individual, and her absence will leave a profound void in the community. Perla’s life will be honored during a visitation on Friday, September 20, 2024 at Salerno’s Rosedale Chapel, 450 W. Lake Street, Roselle, IL 60172 with services beginning at 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, September 21 at 9:30 am at St. Isidore Parish, 427 W. Army Trail Road, Bloomingdale, IL 60108 followed by interment at Assumption Catholic Cemetery in Wheaton, IL. Perla’s family would like to express their gratitude to the staff at Care-age of Brookfield for the outstanding care provided over the past two years, and for the Compassus Hospice care team for their compassionate support during her final two weeks.