We were happy to celebrate an early birthday party by being at Desmond's "Celebration of Life" on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at the Garlands of Barrington. Desmond's Spirit of Love and liveliness filled the room as we heard wonderful stories from family, students and friends. We felt his smile and arms of Love embracing Celma, Anna and Christina, and family, and all of us who were his students and Montessori colleagues. Carolyn (Meca V) Kambich and Tony Kambich
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Desmond was such a cheerful, positive influence. He taught me how to make a proper cup of tea and how to observe. He changed my life. May you all feel God's comfort!
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Dear Perrys,
I'm so sorry for your loss. May the kindness of others bring you comfort at this difficult time. I have fond Memories of your family during my training.
Love,
Gina Zinbarg
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We are deeply sorry for the loss of your father. Please know that your ADM family is holding you and your loved ones in our hearts during this difficult time.
With sympathy,
All Day Montessori Staff
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Dear Anna,
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your dear Dad, Desmond. He lived a full life and contributed so much to the Montessori education movement, especially in the Chicagoland area. He touched the hearts and minds of many adults through Seton Montessori Training Center and instilled a love of learning in the many children who were lucky enough to call him "teacher".
Your Dad's legacy lives on in the lives of those he helped find their sense of purpose and how to be their best selves through Montessori.
My deepest condolences to you and your family.
Audrey Perrott
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I'm sorry to miss the celebration of such a clearly wonderful life that touched so many. Sending all my best to you.
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When I think of Desmond I remember his humor during lectures and also his teaching me how to help the infants to swim in the pool at Seton. So sorry for this grievous loss.
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I was saddened when I heard the news of Desmond's passing. Such a warm, funny and intelligent human being. ❤️
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It was such an honor to be taught by Desmond. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, students and those whoever had the privilege of knowing him.
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Enio and Cida’s memories of our dear friend, Des.
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Dear Celma, Anna and Cristina,
I am so sad to hear that Des, my dear friend, has gone to God. We first met a long time ago about 1945 when we used to cycle home from Belvedere school to our respective homes sharing some of the journey together.
Our shared interests included photography, cycling, concerts and dances. We even went to see Liberace in the Theatre Royal in Dublin!
Des was a loyal and generous school friend and it was great that we kept in touch over many years. Ann and I have many happy memories of times spent with him and Celma in Dublin, Limerick, Chicago, Lake Geneva and Rio.
May Des rest in peace and may you all and the next generation, that he was so proud of, be consoled by warm memories of his wonderful personality. Sending love to you all. Cian, Ann and all the O'Carroll family.
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I am grieved to hear of Desmond Perry’s passing. Celma and my parents were dear friends and partners in the founding of Seton Montessori and I am holding her, and the entire family, in my heart during this sad time. Des was a loving comfort to me and brought joy, merriment, and wisdom every time we met. Please accept my deepest condolences.
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A great friend of my father Cian for many years, since school days in Belvedere, Des will be really missed by Dad and others. He and Celma were so kind to me when I visited as a student in the 1980 ‘s and I have lovely memories of times with them both in Chicago, Lake Geneva and Dublin. May he rest in peace. Condolences to you all.
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I was a dear friend for over70 years of Dés since our student days in Kiltegan Co. Wicklow.
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We have only happy memories of Desmond. His humor and joy for life was contagious! We will miss him!
Loreto and John Wille
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So many fond memories of Desmond -- tending his school gardens, telling witty stories, savoring a cup of tea at home in the kitchen, sharing his wisdom with the toddlers... a very special person who will be remembered and missed by many. Celma, Anna, Cristina, I am so sorry for your loss. Sending my love to you.
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My beloved and funny Uncle Des. How lucky was I to have him in my life. As a six year-old in 1970 Des was my adventurous and jovial missionary uncle. As a 16 year-old Des entertained me - and the various teenagers he and Celma generously took under their wings - with wit and gentle teasing. As I followed Des into a world of education and development he taught me children first, and in tricky situations the magic of soft Irish diplomacy. I will be ever grateful for his generosity, for his sense of humour and his storytelling. Our love to all his family and friends at this very sad time. Margaret Kernan & Filipe Freire, The Netherlands
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O CEMSP expressa suas condolências à família Perry, especialmente a Celma e Ana Perry, e lamenta profundamente a perda de Desmond Perry. Ao lado de sua esposa Celma, fundou escolas e um programa de formação de professores Montessori, dentre eles muitos professores brasileiros. Seu legado seguirá inspirando a educação para a paz e o pleno desenvolvimento da criança.
The CEMSP extends its condolences to the Perry family, especially to Celma and Ana Perry, and deeply mourns the loss of Desmond Perry. Alongside his wife Celma, he founded schools and a Montessori teacher education program, which trained many Brazilian educators. His legacy will continue to inspire education for peace and the full development of the child.
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Desmond was a wonderful human being and we’re going miss him. Please give my love to Celma. My condolences are with you and your family.
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I really regret Desmond´s passing and I am sure saddness we all feel today will become "saudades" in the future with sweet memories. I present my condolences and sympathy to Celma and the all members of the Family. I ask Lord to let perpetual light shine upon him.
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Desmond was a good educator and former owner and founder of Seton Montessori school. Very sorry for your loss. Our condolences and sympathy are with you and your family.
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