Ariana Summer Reyes

November 7, 1999, was a special day. Ariana Summer Reyes was born to mother, Magdalene Hameline, and father, Christopher Reyes, in Everett, Washington. Unfortunately, on May 12, 2016, our sweet baby girl passed away unexpectedly. Her early years were spent in Everett, but at the age of eight, Ariana moved to Mill Creek with her mom, older sister Marissa, and her cat Billy. She attended Henry M. Jackson High School in Lynnwood, Washington.

Everyone loved Ariana. From her witty sense of humor, her intelligence, her creativity, and her love for others, she was perfect in every way and is held in high regard, with much love, by all who knew her. Ariana’s cousin and best friend, Anissa, said, “If Ariana was a color she would be red because she was so full of life.” Red is good.

From an early age, Ariana showed a passion for the arts and while she enjoyed crafting, drawing, and painting, her legacy reminds us she was a “fashion killa.” She had a fashion sense out of this world, was a fashion risk taker, and declared that people should have their own fashion style. Most recently, she took an interest in flowers and gardening—a hobby she was learning and sharing with her mom.

Ariana is also remembered for her intellectual mind, her ability to engage in deep conversations with her Uncle Johnny, and her interest in math and science which were her favorite subjects in school. Teachers recognize Ariana as a great writer, poet, and math wizard. One poem is described as “Stunning!” and another as “Wow!” To the amazement of her math teacher, Ariana once taught her teacher a new way to solve a problem.

Ariana wanted to know everything. While many 16-year-old girls enjoy reading Seventeen and Teen Beat magazines, Ariana chose to read Psychology Today and science-related magazines. She planned to attend college, travel, and meet as many different people as she could. Some of her career aspirations included that of an orthodontist, a dermatologist, a psychologist, and an artist.

Volleyball was her favorite competitive sport, but she also enjoyed softball and showed particular talent in competitive cheer and once earned a trip to a national cheer competition in Anaheim, California.

Ariana cared about people and took the time to get to know everybody. She frequently rooted for the underdogs and those less fortunate. Ariana was very spiritual and her faith gave her the strength to overcome obstacles.

Ariana enjoyed time shared with her mom shopping, getting their nails done, trying out new restaurants, and even just chatting. They shared an extra-special Mother’s Day just days before her passing. Ariana dearly loved her Uncle Terry and enjoyed visiting his place at Lake Goodwin, Washington, and their summertime trips to the Arlee Powwow in Arlee, Montana. She shared a special bond with her older sister, Marissa, and loved being a big sister to and sharing her Cuban heritage with Karmelina, Giovanni, and Khrystian. The family extends special shout outs to Casey Pennant and Michael Jordon. Casey helped Ariana learn to play softball, tie her shoes, ride a bike, and pronounce her “R’s.” Michael has been a rock since Ariana was in the second grade and she appreciated his loyalty through thick and thin to her, her sister, and her mom.

In addition to her parents, Magdalene Hameline and Christopher Reyes, Ariana leaves behind her stepmother, Kristi Reyes; grandparents Richard Deen, Teresa Magnuson, and Carlos and Christina Reyes; siblings Marissa Coffey, Karmelina Reyes, Giovanni Reyes, and Khrystian Reyes; aunts and uncles Terry Roberts, Samuel Hameline, Jaime Reyes, Brandon Reyes, Brittany (Reyes) and Julio Barbosa; cousins Jordan Mitchell, Kaylee Hameline, Anissa Hameline, Gavin Martin, Amiya Reyes, Saholiegh Reyes, and Serenitee Reyes; beloved cat, Billy, and dog, Gregory; and many other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her grandfather, Elroy Hameline.

Ariana and her cousin, Anissa, felt they were each other’s “other half.” They looked forward to sharing a lifetime of plans. Ariana was looking forward to a trip to Hawaii with her Uncle Terry and Anissa this summer, and she and Anissa planned to get tattoos of their astrological signs. Ariana’s would be Scorpio.

While Ariana’s passing has left holes in many hearts, the family wishes all to consider a quote Ariana posted on her Twitter account, “Don’t forget to find beauty within the madness.”

A celebration of life will be held Thursday, May 26, at 1:00 p.m. at Purdy and Walters at Floral Hills, 409 Filbert Road, Lynnwood, Washington.