She is survived by her husband, Ernesto Reyes; children, Oliver Reyes and Cherilynn Rivers (George); grandchildren Quinten and Naya Rivers; sisters, Lilia Mata (Joe), Florence Castro (Sonny) and Dolly Chanco (Audie); and numerous aunties, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Sofronio and Julia Pinto Mata; brothers, Aristeo Mata, Sr. and Edwin Mata; and sisters, Florence Mata and Charito Roldan.
In her youth, Dency was known for her volleyball skills playing on the varsity team in high school. With her nurturing spirit, she became a nurse when she was 22. With dreams to become a nurse in the US, Dency moved to the US in 1970 where she met the love of her life, her husband Ernesto, in Philadelphia, PA. Later that year, they became husband and wife. As a nurse, she worked at various hospitals, Einstein (1970-1973), St. Luke’s (1973-1974) and University Hospital (1978). Dency spent the majority of her career, 26 years, at HCA Florida Orange Park Hospital where she retired.
Upon retirement, she was a devoted grandmother always doting on her grandchildren. She loved shopping with the Golden Girls, planning their monthly dinner parties, learning and performing line dances with them and making her delicious empanadas and lumpia for them. At home, you would find her watching NBA games, playing video games or doing her favorite past time, watching Filipino soap operas. Known for her generosity, she will be sorely missed by her family, friends and all who knew her.
The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to the staff at HCA Florida Orange Park Hospital and Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside Hospice for the loving care she received.
Visitation will be held on September 29, 2023 at 5:00 pm at Hardage-Giddens Rivermead Funeral Home, 127 Blanding Blvd, Orange Park, FL.
Funeral Service will be held on September 30, 2023 at 11:00 am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church , 5752 Blanding Blvd, Jacksonville, FL.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hardage-giddensrivermead.com.
