Emelita Reyes De Leon

Emelita was born in Gapan Nueva Ecija, Philippines on June 28, 1936 to the late Alfonso Alvarez Reyes and Teofila Velayo Reyes. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Education and worked in the Philippines as an elementary school teacher. Her kindness and understanding nature made her a favorite amongst students. In the early 1980’s, Emelita moved with her husband, Dr. Ovidio Guzman De Leon, to New York City.

She was sweet, loving, and outgoing. Emelita enjoyed dancing, music, and traveling. She was also a great gardener and made sure to greet each plant every day. Above all else, Emelita loved her family. She was a devoted wife, loyal sister, adoring mother, and doting grandmother and great grandmother.

Emelita was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Ovidio Guzman De Leon and siblings, Erlinda Reyes, Juanita Reyes, Remedios R Barbilla, Domingo Reyes, and Augosto Reyes. She leaves behind her children, Angel R. De Leon (Eva), Maria Theresa Arevalo (Bernardo), Ovidio R. De Leon (Guillermina), Joseph De Leon (Winnie), and Maria Emelee Giron (Sergio); grandchildren, Patrick De Leon, Athena Puerto, Gracious O’Kelly, Jude, Debbie Arevalo, Meliza, Denise, Carlo, and Kobe De Leon, JP and Ryan De Leon, Samuel, Sergio, and Katherine Giron; great grandchildren, Aleyna and Aurick De Leon, Lucas Puerto, Vincent, Ian, Gabriel Arevalo, EJ and Laila O’Kelly, and Easton Arevalo; siblings, Estrella Reyes, Dolores R. Gamboa, Romeo Reyes, and Benedicto Reyes; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and loved ones.

Funeral Mass will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church, 4820 Kinnamon Rd, on Saturday, December 10th at 10am. There will be a reception immediately following mass at Frank Vogler & Sons Funeral Home in Clemmons, 2849 Middlebrook Dr.