Obituary of Henrietta Reig

Henrietta Reig, 99.9 years old, passed away peacefully on September 1, 2020 in the arms of her daughter, Dolores, and granddaughter, Alexa. She was the beloved mother of Dolores and her husband George, and her son John and his wife Fran, cherished grandmother of Merrie, Jonathan, Marina, Alexa, Johnnie and Frank, loving great-grandmother of Zachary, Alex, Benjamin, Danny, Nicolette, Joshua, Jonathan Jr, Samantha, Dylan, Isabella, Eddie, Skylar and Evangeline, and dear sister of Henry (Hank). She is also survived by many dear nieces, nephews, grand nieces, and grand nephews. Mrs. Reig was born in Alicante, Spain, and traveled to America by way of Cuba when she was ten years old. She quickly learned to speak English and served as a translator for her parents and many friends and relatives from Spain who lived nearby on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. After graduating Washington Irving High School, she continued working as a translator for a small company in Manhattan. After marriage, she moved with her husband, John, and their infant daughter to Staten Island, living first in Prince's Bay then settling in Midland Beach where her son, John, was born. She owned and maintained a colony of summer bungalows for many years and was always fondly remembered by her tenants for the outstanding potato salad she made at the end of each summer season. She traveled frequently, making several return trips to her beloved Spain. Later in life, she decided to attend college and loved the two years she spent studying at the old Staten Island College. She was dedicated to the 50 X 100 foot garden and orchard she lovingly maintained and shared with her family and neighbors in Midland Beach. Her children, grandchildren and nephews can remember eating fruits and vegetables directly from her garden, with her constant encouragement to eat more. She loved cooking for her family and would insist on a fresh, green salad every night. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. There will be a memorial service to celebrate her nearly 100 years on Saturday, September 19, 2020 at the Matthew Funeral Home, 2508 Victory Boulevard. Visiting hours are from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, with a special time for sharing personal memories at 12:30. Due to the current covid-19 pandemic and for the wellbeing of everyone, the number of guests allowed in the room at the same time will be limited to a safe number, and social distancing and masks will be required.