Ophelia Santiago Reyes

April 17, 1934 - July 26, 2023

Ophelia Josefa Santiago Reyes of Woodcliff Lake, NJ died in her home peacefully and surrounded by her family on Wednesday, July 26, 2023. Ophelia was predeceased by her devoted husband, Emilio Q. Reyes, Jr., who passed on October 14, 2020. She is survived by her four children, and their spouses: Raoul S. Reyes of Woodcliff Lake, NJ; Rachel Reyes-Skovira and John Skovira of Park Ridge, NJ; Roxanne Reyes McHugh and Dr. Joseph McHugh of Athens, GA; and Roman S. Reyes of Woodcliff Lake, NJ. Affectionately known to them as Lola, Ophelia is also survived by six grandchildren and their spouses: Gabrielle Skovira Marucci and Andrew Marucci, currently stationed in Florida; John-Delfin Reyes Skovira and Kristin Skovira of Mechanicsburg, PA; Isabella Reyes Skovira of Madrid, Spain; Rebecca Skovira Fellows and John Fellows of Tolland, CT; Terrence Reyes McHugh of Athens, GA; and Treasa Reyes McHugh of Athens, GA. Ophelia also had the joy of welcoming three great granddaughters and is survived by Margot Jane, Nina Grace, and Eliza Fe Skovira of Mechanicsburg,PA. Ophelia is also survived by her beloved dog, Brigitte.

Ophelia was born April 17, 1934 in Pasig, Rizal, Philippines, to Delfin Cabig Santiago (December 22, 1901-September 27, 1986) and Teresa Villanueva Reyes (October 25, 1904-January 3, 1974). She was the second of six daughters. Ophelia was predeceased by her sisters Vilma Antonia Santiago Felipe, who passed on January 5, 1999, at 66-years-old; and Sister Monina Teresa Reyes Santiago, osc, who passed on November 19, 2021, at 83-years-old. She is survived by three sisters: Sonia Milagros Santiago Olivares, Olivia Delfina Santiago José, and Sister Victoria Elvira Reyes Santiago, spc.

Although Ophelia’s childhood was indelibly marked by WWII, her early days were filled with joy, mischief, and the close bonds she shared with her sisters and parents. She particularly remembered the excitement of going to the tailor with her father, who would have small accessories or garments made for Ophelia to match his suits. In her youth, she enjoyed swimming. Ophelia went on to graduate from the Philippine Women’s University in Manila, Philippines in 1955, earning her Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics. After graduating, Ophelia worked as a cooking demonstrator for Del Rosario Brothers. Always industrious and creative, Ophelia also designed and sewed custom window treatments in collaboration with her sister, Sonia, who continues to be a sought-after interior designer.

On May 11, 1957, Ophelia R. Santiago married Emilio Q. Reyes, Jr. In 1970, they immigrated to New York, making Ophelia the first of her family to move to the US. In 1971, their four children joined them in Bloomfield, NJ before settling as a family in Wappingers Falls, NY. In America, Ophelia worked at the Consulate General of Pakistan in New York City as an administrative assistant to the Vice Consul General for forty years from 1970 to 2010. On any given weekday morning, you could find her being dropped off by her loving husband to catch the bus into Manhattan. Ophelia regarded her ability to work and provide for her family as a blessing and often sought out additional opportunities that allowed her to interact with her local community, including jobs at Norgaard’s Bakery in Astoria; Graphic Scanning in lower Manhattan; Pronto Ristorante in New York City; and A&P in Park Ridge, NJ.

Ophelia was someone who deeply valued beauty and aesthetic experiences. She enjoyed working in her own garden and admiring plants, whether at a botanical garden or a local nursery. She particularly loved Phalaenopsis orchids. Her lifelong joy of both cooking and enjoying food was passed down to everyone in her family. She loved international cuisine and enjoyed food from the Philippines, the Middle East, Japan, Korea, and Italy and was a memorable customer at many local restaurants over the years. Ophelia also maintained impeccable personal style. She loved curating a look, from her jewelry and handbag, to her perfume, hair, and makeup. Ophelia was often emotionally moved by music and enjoyed singing along to her favorites, including Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Trio Los Panchos, and traditional hymns and Christmas songs.

Ophelia S. Reyes will be remembered as an incredibly feminine and fierce matriarch who expertly balanced her Filipino and American cultures, her professional and private lives, and her traditional and modern mindsets. Ophelia was always detail-oriented, generous, funny, and held both herself and those around her to high standards. She loved a good storyline and enjoyed watching all types of shows, from Downton Abbey to Blue Bloods. She was always ready and willing to visit her loved ones--as long as her husband, Emilio, would drive her! Ophelia was a devout Catholic who enjoyed making rosaries by hand. She traveled widely during her life, including to St. Anne DeBeaupré in Quebec, to Vatican City and St. Peter’s Basilica to visit the Pope, to the Statue of Christ the Redeemer in Brazil, and to Fatima in Portugal to give thanks for her many blessings.

The family extends their gratitude to Dr. Daniel Wilkin, Dr. Alexander Biener, and Dr. Joel Landzberg, and all of the health and wellness professionals who helped maintain an excellent quality of life for Ophelia until her 89th year.

There will be a wake at Becker Funeral Home in Westwood on Sunday, July 30, 2023 from 2-6pm. Ophelia’s life will be celebrated in a funeral mass on Monday, July 31, 2023, 10am at Our Lady Mother of the Church in Woodcliff Lake, NJ. Final entombment will be at Garden of Memories in Washington Twp, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation be made “In Memory of Ophelia Reyes” for the charitable works of "Our Lady Mother of the Church" at 209 Woodcliff Avenue, Woodcliff Lake, NJ 07677, USA.

http://www.motherofthechurch.org/