Eleanor Galindo Reyes

January 28, 1934 to November 2, 2022

Eleanor passed peacefully in her home at the age of 88 after a courageous 4 year battle with pancreatic cancer.

Born and raised in San Jose, California in a neighborhood known as Sal Si Puedes, Eleanor was the thirteenth child of Antonio and Concepcion Galindo. She was the first child in her family to graduate from high school.

Eleanor is survived by her husband, Casto Reyes, to whom she was married for 65 years, children: Gabriel Reyes (Susan), Mario Reyes (Vanessa), Christina Atkinson, David Reyes (Jovita), and Abran Reyes, Son-in-law Mike Sanders as well as 16 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her wonderful daughter, Rosanna Sanders.

In 1954 Eleanor met her husband at a dance. She was wearing a pink formal dress and he was wearing a gray suit with a pink tie. When, 3 years later, Casto asked her to marry him she replied, “It’s about time!” Years later one of her sons asked her to describe “home” she said, “Wherever your father is that’s home.”

Eleanor was a woman of great faith who fiercely loved her children and grandchildren. She was constantly praying for their guidance and protection and encouraged each one to focus on their goals, work hard, and to be undeterred by setbacks. In everything she asked for God’s will.

A life long learner, Eleanor was always willing to try new things. She taught herself how to ride a bike and drive. At 40 she overcame her fear of deep water and learned how to swim. She went to night school to gain skills in electronics and was among the earliest workers at Shugart. Later, Eleanor also took computer classes and was proud to have read the entire Windows operating manual. Recently, she was very excited to give up her flip phone for a Smartphone and learned how to text.

For years, Eleanor went daily to the gym taking classes, swimming, and relaxing in the jacuzzi. She loved to show off her jumping jacks and aerobic skills.

Beautifying her home was one of Eleanor’s favorite hobbies. She loved decorating, cleaning, and making improvements. With her husband many hours were spent gardening and tending their many flower beds. Eleanor also loved to watch the Pioneer Woman cooking show and practice the techniques and the recipes she learned.

She will be deeply missed- her laugh, her sense of humor, her faith in the power of prayer, and her faith in each one of us.