Adela Reyes

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Adela Reyes, 88, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on April 3, 2022, after a long illness. She was one of six daughters born to Rafael and Maria Curbelo on June 27, 1933 in Quebradillas, Puerto Rico. On June 5th, 1952, she married Manuel Reyes and together, they embarked on a journey to the U.S. where they established a home in Fremont. She worked at H.J. Heinz in the early 60s and was a homemaker, caring diligently for her husband and seven children, who remember their home as a bustling, lively place to be. To her family, she was La Reina (The Queen); a warm, affectionate, authentic woman who gave with boundless love and generosity. Her children remember her fondly as a teacher and a shelter from life’s storms. Her central expression of love was cooking; she always had a treat or a dish ready should anyone in the house experience the slightest pang of hunger. With a head scarf tied at the chin, she was the quintessential grandmother, gentle and demure in demeanor. When feeling festive, Adela enjoyed dance parties with her grandchildren, and enjoyed a good laugh, becoming breathless while telling jokes over coffee.

She was a dedicated member of Templo Genesaret, and was an extension of God’s love in her free time. Adela was known for tirelessly visiting people who were sick, poor, or otherwise in need with a fresh, hot plate of rice, a bag of groceries, and a passionate prayer. She would pray continually for one’s plight, call to follow-up, then pray again while she had them on the line. Her love was not limited to her congregation: she would often give people car rides if she saw them walking and sensed they needed help.

Nature held a special place in Adela’s heart and she connected with it on a spiritual level. Flower gardens brought her peace and joy; she was continuously awed by their beauty and splendor. Birds were her favorite animal and she delighted in seeing several species come to feast at bird feeders in her backyard.

She is survived by her children, Susanna Behee of Fremont, Miriam Cozza (James) of North Royalton, OH, Manuel Reyes Jr. (Theresa), Harold Reyes, Rafaela Reyes, Amelyn Reyes (all of Fremont), Rafael Reyes (Shefali Kothari) of Basking Ridge, NJ; grandchildren, Susu Shearer (Tim) of Lawrenceville GA, Sylvia L. Reyes of Carmel Valley, CA, Monica C. Reyes of Cleveland, Jenelle Cozza of North Royalton OH, Kayla Peña (Jorge) of Strongsville, OH, Bradley Cozza of North Royalton, OH, Dev & Ravi Reyes Kothari of Basking Ridge NJ; great-grandchildren, Viviana & Giselle Peña of Strongsville, OH; sisters, Margot Soler (Juan) of Queens, NY, Iris Santana (Blanco) of Rochester, NY, Alicia Gonzales (Raúl) of Fremont, OH; and loving spiritual daughter and longtime confidante, Juanita Brionez. 

She is preceded in death by her husband, Manuel Sr., sisters, María Fernández (David), Antonia González (José), Demelida Escoriaza (José Antonio), step-sister, Virginia "Miña" Valle, and son-in-law, Michael Behee.

Visitation and Viewing hours for friends and family will be held on Sunday, Apr 10, 2022 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. with a wake service beginning at 4 p.m. at Herman-Karlovetz Funeral Home & Crematory, 900 North Street, Fremont, Ohio, 43420. Religious services will be held at Templo Genesaret, 300 S. Collinwood Blvd., Fremont, on April 11, 2022 beginning at 11 a.m. with visiting beginning at 10 a.m. at the church. Interment will follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, as well as a reception at the church at the conclusion of services.  For those unable to attend, live-streaming of Adela's funeral services will be available on the funeral home’s website on her obituary page. Flowers are appreciated; in lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Adela’s name to aid orphans in Ukraine with The Convoy of Hope  https://tinyurl.com/2s8hzaj8 .

To express online condolences, watch Adela’s services or her Tribute Video, please visit: www.hermanfh.com.