Josephine Catherine Reyes' Obituary
During the three o’clock hour, the hour of Mercy-the hour of Jesus’ death, Josephine Catherine Reyes, known affectionately, as Auntie Jo, Mama or Mother Jo, or simply, Jo, took the hand of her most trusted companion, Jesus of the Divine Mercy, surrounded by her loved ones at Hospice Hale on December 26, 2020.
Jo’s heart’s work as a faithful servant of the Lord included and encompassed all aspects of her personal, career and spiritual life. Jo being, authentically, herself in every instance begins with her foundation of her strong Catholic faith and values. She was, continuously, being masterfully, molded by God, throughout her life to serve his mighty purpose for her, which was to bring souls to know of God’s love, invite people into his mercy, reach out to those in need, pray for and with others; think of, serve, and bring joy to others, through her most infectious smile and huge doses of laughter. Jo, small but surely blessed with unrelenting energy, tenacity and servant spirit led by example; Hands down, she was a force to be reckoned with as she was unwavering in her faith, trust and love of the Heavenly Father and his works of mercy and love. Upon her learning of the Message of Divine Mercy, 13+ years ago, Jo remained committed to her personal devotion to Jesus, which was by far her most outstanding quality, by teaching, praying, and sharing its message everywhere she went.
Jo served the Maui community well through her career and volunteer work:
Her Career:
DSHS Social Worker
An entrepreneur serving up Filipino and American food in her restaurant, Jo’s Restaurant, on Market St. in Wailuku in the 70’s and to Jo’s Catering in the 80’s.
At Hale Mahaolu Elua Senior Housing
Kaunoa Senior Services as a Program Specialist with Assisted Transportation
Maui County Office on Aging as a Program Specialist where she retired in October 2014.
Her Volunteer Work:
Lector, Eucharistic Minister, RCIA and Portuguese Soup Lady for the Annual St. Joseph’s Feast at St. Joseph’s Church, Makawao
Lector, Eucharistic Minister, Divine Mercy Prayer Group, Maui and Lanai Vicariate Representative to the Diocesan Parish Council under Monsignor Terry Watanabe, St. Anthony Parish, Wailuku
Sweet Bread Fundraiser for St. Ann’s Waihee
Vincentian with St. Vincent De Paul Monroe Council, St. Mary of the Valley, Monroe, WA
Na Hoaloha
Cursillista of Cursillos of Hawaii
Jo is survived by her husband, Stanley Reyes; son, Scot Reyes; daughter, Stanlynne (Rasamy) Mixayphone and 4 grandchildren and 1 step grandchild. Jo is also survived by her brothers, Ernesto(Donna) Ramirez family and Wilson(Shirley) Ramirez family; her brother, Numeriano Ramirez(deceased) Jo was born to Loreto and Irene Ramirez (deceased) in San Esteban, Ilocos Sur, Philippines on November 19, 1942.
The following are thoughts from the religious community here on Maui and in Washington State:
Monsignor Terry Watanabe: “When I think of a woman of faith and someone who put that faith into action for other, I think of Josephine Reyes. She was a woman who genuinely cared for the Church and the Maui Community. Jo’s heart was full of the love of the Lord and she was always willing to lend a hand and get involved. She was for us a wonderful example of what a Disciple of the Lord is called to be, and she was such a good Steward in sharing generously her God-given gifts of time, talent, and treasure. We pray the Lord embrace her in His peace and love. A Hui Hou, Josephine!”
Fr. John A. Hau’oli Tomoso+: “Mother Jo was a mentor for me, very early, in my Social Work career. She knew people very well and taught me about relationships, through which all kinds of folk had their needs met and were nurtured for life. Over time, she nurtured me, even in my spiritual life and faith!”
If I had to come up with one word to describe Jo, it would be "evangelist". It did not matter what she was doing, she was always spreading the Gospel. She was an amazing woman, and I am glad that she sought me out and I had the opportunity to get to know her. Jo had a special concern for those most in need. This led her to pray for the babies facing death at Planned Parenthood and helping the needy in the community through SVdP visits.
It was through SVdP that I primarily came to know Jo. Driving to a visit, we had time to talk about many things, but mostly similar work she had done in Hawaii. She was always reaching out and spreading the Word of the Lord to people by being where she needed to be and helping and sharing who she was with others.
Diana Bizak, St. Vincent De Paul Society, Monroe Council, St. Mary of the Valley Parish, Monroe, WA
Josephine Reyes exemplified the spirit of Christ, transcending religious boundaries and teaching by her example, a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Her legacy will be passed on through many who have been touched by, her generosity, kindness, compassion, and sense of humor. It was like medicine to those who needed healing. Our loss is heaven’s gain.
Pastor Barbara Tengan
Faith in Jesus church
Services will be held at St. Anthony Church on Saturday, January 30, 2021 at 11:00am. Please email [email protected] to get address info to send condolences OR if you wish Donations may be made to the following organizations in Jo’s name:
St. Joseph’s Church 1294 Makawao Avenue Makawao, HI 96768
St. Anthony of Padua Church 1627 B Mill Street Wailuku, HI 96793
St. Vincent de Paul Society, Monroe Council, St. Mary of the Valley Parish 601 W. Columbia St. Monroe, WA 98272
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