Esperanza Reyes

La Reina de la Familia Reyes, Esperanza Reyes, age 96, passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by the love of her life, her family, on November 26, 2021. She was born on June 21, 1925, to José Eulogio Rivas and Guadalupe Trelles de Rivas in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. Esperanza married her late husband, Ignacio "Don Nacho" Reyes, of 52 years on October 10, 1945.

Through fate’s cruel hand, she became an orphan by the age of 9. Consequently, her formal education halted, and she assisted her beloved siblings in establishing a handmade leather shoe enterprise, which was spearheaded by her 19-year-old brother, Luis. Through dedication and hard-work her intelligence and business sense blossomed, building a strong foundation to provide for her family. She encouraged and assisted her husband in building a western boot factory in Guadalajara and promoted the exportation of their boots to the U.S. She was passionate about life; she loved going out dancing with her prima Luz, cuñadas, and hermana Anita. Her life was filled with singing and laughter.

In 1969, she led her family to the United States of America by submitting a hand written application for U.S. Alien Registration. To the astonishment of INS agents, she achieved Residency within two years for herself and eight surviving children without any legal or professional advice. When crossing the Corpus Christi Harbor Bridge, she fell in love with the city skyline, and told her husband Nacho, “Esta es la ciudad que vamos a crear nuestra familia.” Through her perseverance and strength, she adapted to the adversities of a new language and culture while continuing the legacy of her heritage. She was honored to achieve her U.S. citizenship in 1999.

Nothing brought her more joy than cheering for her children and grandchildren in their extracurricular activities; in particular, the first Corpus Christi Soccer Team (Pericos) as they participated as players, coaches, and even sponsors. Her home was always welcoming and filled with the smells of cooking, gusto for cheering her beloved Guadalajara Chivas soccer team, and the solace of prayer.

She held herself with radiant elegance. A true matriarch in every sense of the word, encouraging her loved ones to pursue their dreams, and to hold themselves with dignity. Seeing her family continue the values she instilled in them was her greatest pride. Her quick wit and spirited nature never ceased to bring smiles and laughter to all who knew her, and she will live on in the hearts and minds of all who had the honor and privilege to know her. She did all things with love. She often raved, “Mi vida, es mi Familia.” Her many travel adventures carried her across the United States and Mexico, with a special affinity for the beach. Even till her last days, with a mischievous smile, she enticed her children to take her on a cross country road-trip. Doña Esperanza, beloved and adored Mamá, will forever be missed and loved. Her lasting words to her family was and always will be, “Dios Bendiga a toda mi familia y que sus hijos sean tan buenos hijos como ustedes lo han sido. Los quiero mucho. – Su Mamá E.R.”

Esperanza Reyes is preceded in death by her parents, José Eulogio Rivas and Guadalupe Trelles de Rivas, husband, Ignacio Reyes, son, Héctor Francisco Reyes, brothers José Luis Rivas Trelles and José Ernesto "Chepo" Rivas Trelles, sister Anita Rivas Vda. de Vasquez, her beloved
cuñadas (Teresita, Chavela, y Pachita), and daughter-in-law, Margarita Reyes.

Left to cherish her memories are her sons from Corpus Christi, Texas, Rigoberto Reyes Sr., Luis Ignacio Reyes, José Luis Reyes (Nora Alicia Reyes), José Antonio Reyes (Cindy Croston), her children from Austin, Texas, Rosa de Guadalupe Reyes, Raul Reyes (Sylvia Reyes), Fernando Reyes, and Irma Araceli Toth, along with her twenty grandchildren, thirty-eight great-grandchildren (two more on the way), four great-great grandchildren (one more on the way), and many nieces and nephews from Mexico.

The Reyes Family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the Kindred Hospice personnel for their support and guidance during her remaining days.

Public visitation will be held from 5 pm to 9 pm on Thursday, December 2, 2021, at Seaside Memorial Park & Funeral Home, located at 4357 Ocean Drive Corpus Christi, Texas. A public Rosary will be recited at 7 pm that same evening, with Live Streaming available. A Mass will be celebrated at 10 am on Friday, December 3, 2021, at St. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church located at 3210 S Padre Island Drive Corpus Christi, Texas. Interment to follow at Seaside Memorial Park & Funeral Home.

Having the distinguished honor to serve as pallbearers are, Aaron Villanueva (great-grandson), Alejandro Garcia (grandson), Javier Andres Reyes (great-grandson), José Luis Reyes Jr. (grandson), Michael Pohlers (great-grandson), and Muhammadali Abbaszadeh (embraced son).
 

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