Maria Reyes, 55, compassionate person, beloved sister

Maria Alison Reyes, daughter of Rita and Albert Reyes, passed suddenly on June 28 at the age of 55, finally free from the ravages of schizophrenia that plagued her most of her adult life.

Ms. Reyes graduated from Burr and Burton Academy in 1981 and attended UVM on an academic scholarship, possessing a brilliant mind. She was also an excellent skier, talented artist and a gifted musician.

She will be sorely missed by all those who came to know her.  She was lovable, compassionate, caring and generous and never had a complaint.

She was predeceased by her mother and father. She was the beloved sister to three sisters who survive:  Barbara Hamel, Rita Masso (Lou), and Christine Estey (Rick) and several nieces and a nephew.

There will be a graveside celebration of Ms. Reyes’ life at Riverside Cemetery in Londonderry  beginning at 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 11. The Rev. Peter Williams will officiate.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to NAMI  — the National Alliance on Mental Illness at 600 Blair Park Road, Ste 301, Williston, VT 05495. You can also click here to donate.

Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield is assisting with arrangements.

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  1. Bryan Dalton says:

    Maria brought intelligent delight to the sometimes fraught life of high school, at BBS. Just thinking of her, and seeing her picture here, gave my heart a lift. Thank you, Maria, and comfort for your suffering. My condolences to you, her sisters, nieces and nephew.

  2. Marleigh McNealus says:

    Maria was a lovely person. I am sorry for your loss and her long battle with mental illness. May her soul travel to the realm of loving kindness and find eternal peace.

  3. Susan Whitaker Fletcher says:

    I am so sorry to hear the sad news of Maria. We were good friends and field hockey teammates while she was at GMUHS before she transferred to Burr & Burton. Maria was such a bright light whose love for life was contagious. I can still see her bright smile and hear her laugh. She was beautiful, smart, athletic and most of all very kind to everyone. In later years I did see her a few times in Burlington and I knew things weren’t well. This was heartbreaking as I thought the world of her. I hope this sweet soul is finally resting in peace.

  4. Susan Engel says:

    I am so sorry to hear this news. I knew Maria in high school, and she was one of the most creative people I’ve ever known. My heart goes out to her family.

  5. Tarn Martin says:

    So very sorry to read this news. Sending healing thoughts to her family and close friends. xox

  6. John Yake says:

    Maria was a classmate of mine. What a beautiful, talented, kind, person. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.

  7. Sue Pollard says:

    My deepest condolences to the family. I remember her from high school and she was so kind, sweet, and a beautiful young lady. I’m sorry mental illness took over her life. May she rest in peace.

  8. Chris Merrill says:

    I am so sorry for your loss. Though I didn’t know her I am sure she will be missed.

  9. Jacqueline L Wiley says:

    I am so sorry to hear of Maria’s passing. Prayers to her family.