Maria Helena Reyna

Maria Helena Reyna, AKA our beautiful Lulu, entered this world on June 4th, 1946. She was born and raised in Los Angeles, California, where she was lovingly raised by her mother, Arie, who has since passed and now welcomes her daughter home once again. On February 10th, 2026, at the age of 79, our mom gained her wings. Surrounded by her loved ones, with each of us holding her hands and caressing her face, she peacefully took her final breath. Though this tore our hearts apart, we find comfort knowing she is no longer in pain and is now at peace, reunited with her one and only true love, Ray, whom she regularly expressed how much she missed.

She is survived by her 7 children: Frankie, Selena, Valarie, Peaches, Xavier, Desirie, and Elena; her 21 grandchildren: Victor, Monique, Denise, Heaven, Alyssa, Johnnie, Andrina, James, Alicia, Cesalie, Sophia, Anthony, Emma, Melinda, Matthew, Michelle, Stephanie, Tommy, Heather, Melissa, and James; and her 14 great-grandchildren: Rianne, Ocean, Jaiden, Angel, Dominic, Vanessa, Olivia, Mateo, Oliver, Elijah, Grayson, Dove, Mariya, and Kingston. She is also survived by her children’s partners, whom she loved dearly: Johnnie, Leah, Margaret, Ryan, and Jeremy.

Mom had a way of making each of us feel like we were her one and only special one. This is simply because she was a beacon of light. Everyone was drawn to her love, silliness, and laughter. She knew no hate and always saw the good in everyone in her life. It is impossible to capture her essence because she truly was one of a kind.

Anytime music was playing, she danced and sang like no one was watching—especially if her favorite music, such as oldies, doo-wop, or funk, was playing. To call her Mom was a true honor. Words cannot express the void in our hearts or the sadness in our souls. Holidays and special days will never be the same without her, because she was the glue to our everything.

Mom loved to be pampered, especially with a good meal being cooked for her with her favorite serrano salsa. Her green thumb was so admirable. Any plant or flower she touched always flourished, just like she did as a pure and beautiful human being.

We only hope now that her spirit will still feel the enormous love we will always have for her. As those pearly gates open for our mom, our dad—her husband—and all of her extended family who have been waiting patiently for her on the other side will hold her hand and walk her to our Maker, whom she loved very much.

Our amazing mom leaves behind a legacy of kindness, selflessness, resilience, strength, laughter, and unconditional love. Her pretty smile will live on in us always. Although our hearts are heavy, we are grateful for the time God allowed us with her and for giving us the greatest gift in the world by making her our mother.

If you are reading this, we thank you for loving our mom.

Written by; her loving daughter, Valarie Reyna with some inspiration from her youngest daughter Elena Reyna

We all love you very much Mom and miss you beyond words💕