We are saddened to announce the passing of our beloved mother and grandmother, Juanita Reyes. She lived ninety-nine extraordinary years—nearly a century—filled with faith, music, and the kind of love that showed itself in small, unforgettable ways.

Our family hopes to honor her final wish: to rest beside her mother and brother at St. Raymond’s Cemetery in the Bronx, NY. We’re humbly asking for help to cover her final expenses of about $10,000, so we can give her the simple, heartfelt farewell she deserves — one surrounded by the same love she gave to all of us.

A Life of Faith and Strength

Born July 14, 1926, in Puerto Rico, Juanita came to the mainland United States more than 75 years ago, carrying faith in her heart and determination in her hands. She spent decades working in an undergarment factory, doing everything she could to build a life for her daughter, Carmen, and to spread the word of God.

Life asked a lot of her, especially when she became a mother during a time when doing so on her own wasn’t socially accepted. Yet she met every challenge with quiet courage and unshakable faith. All she ever wanted was for Carmen to be seen, loved, and given every opportunity she herself never had.

Though she only completed second grade, she believed deeply in the power of education. Her proudest moment came years later, when her daughter earned her college degree—proof that her sacrifices had not been in vain.

Love Shown, Not Spoken

Juanita’s love was something you felt more than heard. She showed it in her songs, her hands, and her humor. She showed love when she sang — bursting into old Spanish ballads or a playful Happy Birthday, turning even a simple phone call into a celebration. You couldn’t walk away, even if you tried; her voice filled the room with joy, faith, and a kind of light that lingered in the moment. When words failed, her hands spoke for her. She once sewed a pillow for Carmen to hug when she felt lonely or lost in tears — a small gesture that said everything her heart wanted to express.

Her grandchildren each carry their own tender memories. Her granddaughters remember moments from their youth—Jennifer recalls afternoons when Grandma would pick her up from school and take her home to a snack of Spanish coffee and Goya crackers. Jessica, the youngest, remembers Grandma greeting every visit with a handful of animal crackers, her way of saying “I’m happy you’re here.” Her grandson Elvin remembers calling her from college just to make her laugh — pretending to be someone she met at church or a stranger who misdialed. She’d get flustered, forced to speak in her beautiful broken English, trying to make sense of it all. When she realized it was him, she’d be half angry, half amused, her laughter filling the line. That laugh, that sparkle in her voice — signature Juanita.

Fulfillment through Service

For more than 50 years, Juanita volunteered in hospitals, bringing the word of God to the sick and offering comfort to parents and children alike. She prayed with those who were suffering, held space for families in pain, and shared her faith with anyone who needed hope.

She often said her favorite words of truth:

“Con Dios todo es posible—Through God all things are possible.”

She lived by those words. Even when life tested her faith, she leaned on it. Through it, she found strength, laughter, and purpose. We'd ask her occasionally if she was dating anyone and she used to joke, with her gentle smile, that “the only man in my life is Jesus Christ.” To have lived 99 years is a blessing, but to have lived them with such faith, generosity, and humor is a gift to everyone who knew her.

Honoring Her Final Wish

Now, we hope to lay her to rest the way she lived — surrounded by faith, family, and love. Your contribution will help cover the costs of burial preparation, casket, transportation, and cemetery fees so we can fulfill her final wish to rest beside her loved ones. Any amount, no matter how small, will help us give our mother and grandmother the peaceful farewell she deserves. Our family is deeply grateful for your kindness, your prayers, and for helping us celebrate the life of a woman whose love was steady, joyful, and true.

With love and gratitude,

The Family of Juanita Reyes