Enriqueta M. Reyes

Enriqueta, affectionately known as Nanay Etang or Grams, passed away peacefully on August 6, 2024, at the age of 101, surrounded by her loving family and the dedicated staff at the Glenwood Care Center.

Nanay Etang was born on July 15, 1923, in Manila, Philippines. As the youngest child of Antonino Matibag, who was the first CPA accountant from Batangas Province, and his wife Nicholasa, she grew up in a family of six children. Her siblings were Pilar, Augustina, Francisco, Felicidad, and Felipe.

Throughout her 101 years, Nanay Etang led an extraordinary life, embodying the traits of a “modern woman” ahead of her time. As a young woman, she enjoyed frequent visits to the cinema on weekends and loved spending time at Escolta, a popular hotspot in the 1930s. She pursued higher education at the University of Santo Tomas and Philippine Normal College, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Education at a time when few women had access to higher education. Her education background proved crucial during World War II, as it helped her avoid abuse and persecution. The Japanese occupying forces, needing educators for their children, employed her as a teacher, a role that provided her some protection during those turbulent times.

On May 15, 1949, a few years after World War II, Nanay Etang married a family friend, Dominador Reyes Sr. She continued her career in teaching while also venturing into entrepreneurship by starting a flour and sugar distribution business. Her business successfully supplied bakeries and restaurants across Bulacan Province. Together with her husband, she raised six children: Edna, Fides, Rowena, Jon, Susan, and Eric.

In 1981, Nanay Etang and her husband took the opportunity to move to the United States, which allowed her to reunite with her two daughters already living in California. This relocation also facilitated her efforts to sponsor the immigration of her remaining children to the U.S. later on.

Nanay Etang was a vibrant, sociable, and active woman throughout her life, maintaining her energetic lifestyle well into her mid-90s. Although her physical mobility eventually diminished, her mind remained sharp and clear until her final moments. Despite her age, she never considered herself “old”, and was still young at heart. Yet, with a touch of humor, she would occasionally admit that she and her friends were nearing what she playfully referred to as the “firing line”.

Her vibrant spirit and commitment to healthy living fueled her enthusiasm for volunteering with carious organizations and programs throughout Ventura County.

Nanay Etang played an active role in establishing the FIL-AM Seniors of Ventura County and frequently participated in activities with other Filipino organization s in Oxnard. She maintained a healthy balance between daily productivity and social engagement.

Above all, Nanay Etang was deeply rooted in her faith, dedicating time each day to reading Christian devotionals or the Bible. She was a regular at church, often attending two services on Sundays and participating in weekly Bible studies and prayer meetings. She particularly relished the fellowship and celebratory events, often referred to as “church parties”. Even in her later years, while confined to her bed, she confirmed that she continued to pray and communicate with God. Her strong connection with Jesus enriched her life, enabling her to spread kindness and forge loving relationships with family, friends, and everyone she encountered throughout her life.

A key trait that likely played a role in Nanay Etang’s longevity was her nature as a “Peacemaker”. She never held onto resentment, nor did she feel the need to assert her correctness or seek justice and retribution. Instead, she was quick to forgive others. Her pursuit of peace mirrors the teachings of Matthew 5:9 from the Bible, which states, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God”.

Nanay Etang’s life serves as a powerful inspiration for us to lead an active, healthy lifestyle, cherish the company of others, and spread God’s love through forgiveness, kindness, and peace.

Nanay Etang was married to Dominador Reyes Sr. until his passing in 1987. Together, they raised six children and were blessed with ten grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.

Children & spouses: Edna (Dino), Fides, Rowena (Michael), Jon (Judith), Susan (Rolly), & Eric.

Grandchildren & spouses: Dale (Bell), Donella (Tony), Lemuel (✞), Jonas (Nilda), Jojit (Curtis), April Lani (Mady), Joshua, Patrick (Jazmyne), Jed, and Samantha.

Great-Grandchildren: Alieag Jei “AJ”, Kalob, Leilani, Malia, Patrick Jr, Rocco, Avery, Patrick W, Jessica, and Ladena.