Obituary of Gisela Reyes

Gisela Reyes

Gisela Reyes went to be with the Lord at the age of 65 on December 16, 2021 after losing a battle with MRSA. Gisela was born on August 04, 1956 in NY, NY to the late Jose J. Santiago and Felicita A. Santiago.

She will forever be cherished by her husband of 48 years, Irving Reyes of Virginia Beach, VA. She is the beloved mother to three children, Jose A. Reyes and his wife Sheena of Albertville, AL; Irene Reyes Summerell and her husband Dan of Suffolk, VA; and Cierra I. Reyes and her husband-to-be Brandon Diaz of Chesapeake, VA. She was adored by her seven grandchildren, Alliah Reyes Friar; Lauren Summerell Robinson, Noelle Reyes, Kyla Meeker- Reyes, Ricky Summerell, Jaden Mathis and Jaxton Mathis. She was blessed with four great- grandchildren, Rosalee Friar, Arabella Robinson, Ayden Crossman and Scarlett Robinson. She was the fourth of eight children and will be treasured by her siblings, Mayra Baker of Yonkers, NY; Arelis Perez of FL; Elvin Santiago of NY, NY; and Edwin Santiago of NY, NY. She was preceded by her siblings, Carmen Santiago of NY, NY; Exser Santiago of NY, NY; and Alberto Santiago of Virginia Beach, VA. She will be missed by many sister-in-laws, brother-in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

Gisela moved to Virginia Beach, VA in 1980 at the age of 24 with her husband and two oldest children with dreams of raising her family in a beautiful community. Virginia Beach had been her home for the past 41 years but a piece of her heart was left in New York. Gisela had the heart of a caregiver and served several families for many years. She then worked as a manager for Health Care Services Group at Kindred Nursing and Rehabilitation-River Point on Bonney Road in Virginia Beach, VA for 21 years. She then went on to work at Sentara Princess Anne Hospital,Environmental Services in Virginia Beach, VA for seven years, retiring in December 2020.

While working at Sentara Princess Anne Hospital, Gisela received a performance recognition award, SPAH's Angels. It was quoted that she had "Outstanding and exceptional housekeeping abilities... a great work ethic, cheerful personality and attention to detail". She enjoyed talking with and caring for patients. She would often pray with them as well.

Gisela will be greatly missed for her sense of humor and concern for others. Her memory will live on in the hearts and minds of everyone who knew and loved her.

Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, January 6, 2022 at 7pm at the Freedom Fellowship Church, 836 Regency Drive, Virginia Beach,Va,23454. All family and friends and anyone who knew Gisela that would like to attend to share in her memory are welcomed.