Elsa Reyes

Elsa Reyes, age 92, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 7, 2018 surrounded by her family and loved ones. Elsa was born in Guaymate, Dominican Republic on January 2, 1926 to Juan Jose Acosta & Rita Estebania Barreto de Acosta. Elsa was the fifth of eleven children.

Elsa married Merchant Marine Miguel Angel Reyes Colon in 1952 and they immigrated to the United States in 1970 in search of new opportunities and the American dream. A modest and hardworking woman, Elsa worked for 18 years on the assembly line at the Zeregas & Sons Pasta factory in Fairlawn, New Jersey. Elsa and Miguel made their home in Paterson, New Jersey and raised five successful and loving children. Being the first in the family to purchase a home in Paterson, Elsa was able to provide security and a home for many people in her immediate and extended family. She was a true trailblazer and matriarch.
Elsa was a devout woman and an active member of the congregation at the Paterson South and East Seventh Day Adventist Church.
Elsa will forever be remembered by her children: Jose, Rita, Doris, Miguel Angel and Carmen, her siblings: Miguelina, Celeste, Aida and Jose. Her memory will always be cherished by her grateful grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family and dear friends.

A service celebrating Elsa’s life will be held on Saturday, February 10, 2018 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Cremation Society of New Jersey - 470 Colfax Avenue, Clifton, New Jersey 07013. In lieu of flowers, a memorial book scholarship was created at Montclair State University in honor of Elsa Reyes. Please make checks payable to: Montclair State University Foundation (Memo line must include: Elsa Reyes). Send checks to: 1 Normal Ave, Montclair, NJ 07043. For Credit card payments, please call 973-655-4407.