Obituary of Isabel V. Reyes

Our beloved Isabel V. Reyes, age 100, lifelong resident of Austin, Texas, was called home to our Heavenly Father on Sunday, November 12, 2023. Isabel was affectionately known to many by her childhood nickname, "Chavelita", or to her family as "Grandma Chavelita". Her long and beautiful life can be summed up by what was most important to her; her deep love of God and her family, as well as her love of music, sewing and gardening. 

Isabel grew up in Austin, Texas and attended Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic School where she completed middle school and received her diploma on May 24, 1940. It was in this Catholic school where she worked doing housekeeping in exchange for piano lessons from the nuns. She became a gifted pianist and organist and generously shared her gifts by playing the piano and organ at masses and special liturgies at Cristo Rey, San Jose, Sta. Julia and Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Churches. She also helped to pass along her gift to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

Isabel loved the outdoors and often spent summers camping, hiking and engaging in outdoor cooking with her grandchildren. This love of the outdoors extended to her own home that she built with her spouse of 41 years, Nicholas Reyes. She was an avid gardener who shared her plants with family and neighbors. Isabel propagated plants all year long to donate for sale at San Jose's Annual Jamaica. 

Her Faith was a natural expression of her love for God. She served as a Guadalupana, Minister of Music, Rosary Minister and volunteered countless hours in service of others. 

So many of her daughters and grand-daughter's special occasions were made all the more special because she used her talent as a seamstress to create beautiful dresses for them. She learned to sew from her older sister who first taught her how to upholster furniture, which helped support her family.

Though her loss is great to us, we are so grateful to have had so many years with our beloved Isabel. We will always carry your memory in our hearts. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Benita and Isidro Vega; her beloved husband, Nicolas Reyes; her sons, Nick Reyes Jr., John V. Reyes, and Joseph D. Reyes; her sisters, Eulalia Vega, Guadalupe Guerrero, Marcelina Vasquez, and brother, Epifanio Vega. 

Isabel is survived by her daughters, Lucille (Manuel) Machuca and Theresa (Juan) Garcia; her 20 beloved grandchildren, and many beautiful great-grandchildren,  great-great grandchildren; and other loving family and friends. 

Serving as Pallbearers are Jose Flores, Jr., Thomas Reyes, Luke Ramirez, Stephen Vasquez,  Marco Garcia, Marco Garcia, Jr., James Hemen, and David Machuca. 

Much gratitude and thanks to Gilead Health Care, her nurses Tracy, RN, Jessica, RN and Analy, CNA who provided skilled care with great compassion. We greatly appreciate your service. 

Visitation will be held on Monday, November 20, 2023, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., with Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 7:00 p.m., at Mission Funeral Home Serenity Chapel, 6204 S 1st Street, Austin, Texas 78745.

Mass will be held on Tuesday, November 21, 2023 at 11:00 a.m., at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 1206 E 9th street, Austin, Texas 78702.

Interment to follow after at Assumption Cemetery.