In Loving Memory of

Merida Reyes

October 24, 1932 - November 28, 2024

Merida Reyes was born in Rincon, Puerto Rico, a small rural hamlet on the western coast of the island, to Maria de los Angeles Caro Ramos and Felix Ramos. One of eight children, she lost her father at age 8, and helped her mother raise her younger siblings. She graduated with honors from elementary school, but was unable to continue her formal education due to the family's pressing economic need. In 1952, her family moved to the Upper West Side of New York City, where she worked to master the English language and eventually, secured her HS diploma.

After marriage and children, she was employed at the East New York Savings Bank, where she worked in back office operations. Upon her retirement, she helped raise her grandchildren, and moved to Fishkill, NY where she lived for the remainder of her life. She died at home, peacefully, in the last stages of Alzheimer's disease.

She is survived by her children, Katherine Gambino, Lydia Reyes Spath, and Jonathan Reyes. Multiple grandchildren round out her family: Christina Gambino Toppin, Matthew Gambino, Anthony Reyes, Kayla Jurgau, Jennifer Reyes, Victoria Burkhardt, Rebecca Carbo, Angelina Spath and Alexandra Spath, and great-grandchildren Benjamin Wingfield, Liana Wingfield, Jax Jurgau, Abigail Jurgau, Catalina Toppin, Louisa Toppin and Tyler Burkhardt.

Her sisters and brothers include: Luz Delvis Caro, Gloria Correa, and Felix Ramos. Merida was preceded in death by her sisters Hilda Amely and Gladys Ramon, and her brothers Israel Ramos and Angel Rogelio Ramos.

Merida was always delighted by children, whether her own, or those of friends and neighbors. She loved to dress up for Halloween, to distribute candy to the local neighborhood kids, and was always available to babysit at a moment's notice. Her gradual retreat from participating in her neighborhood, with her friends and family, and in her church at Sunday Mass was a marked characteristic of Alzheimer's disease. God has certainly forgiven her. May she rest in eternal peace.

Calling hours will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Monday, December 2 at the McHoul Funeral Home of Fishkill, Inc., 1089 Main Street, Fishkill, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, December 3 at St. Mary, Mother of the Church, 106 Jackson Street, Fishkill, NY. Interment will follow at Fishkill Rural Cemetery, 801 Route 9, Fishkill, NY.

For online tributes, please visit www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.