Elena Reyes

Elena V. Reyes, age 79, passed away on March 11, 2013 at UW Hospital.
The youngest daughter of Nicanor and Maria V Reyes, Elena was born on May 3, 1933 in San Juan, Rizal, Philippines. She majored in English at the University of the Philippines (UP). She later taught English, Literature and Humanities at UP, Los Banos, Laguna. She moved to Madison in 1966 to pursue her Master's Degree in English and a 2nd Master's Degree in Library Science at the University of Wisconsin. She worked at the Waismen Center in the 70's and did research work with Dr. Howard Garber. She also worked for the Central Public Library as a reference librarian. She received recognition for her role teaching English as a second language to adults.
Elena was a member of Mensa and the Triple 9 Society putting her in the top .01% of the recognized world IQ. She was also a member of the Madison Area Writers Assoc. She published articles on linguistics as well as short stories and poems. She loved to read and was an avid collector of books with a wide array of topics. She also loved the arts and classical music. She played the piano, guitar and recorder and taught herself how to play other musical instruments. On her last trip to Hawaii, she bought a ukulele. She was a huge fan of the WI Badgers, the Brewers and wouldn't miss a Packers game on tv.
In a letter to a friend, Elena wrote "Life is too short and too fragile to spend completely on working for money." She retired in 2001 and spent the rest of her life taking more classes and enjoying her many interests. She loved nature, gardening, and traveling. She had such a passion for life and kept a very active calendar. She will be sorely missed by all the people whose lives she touched.
Elena was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings Dory, Eden and Nick Jr. and her beloved dogs, Gita, Elfie and Kate. "Tita Ely" is survived by her nephews, Sonny, Chito, Eric, Mike, Noel and Roy; niece, Cherie and by great-nieces and great-nephews.
Elena was an extremely generous person to her family, friends and numerous causes and charities. In lieu of flowers, Elena would appreciate memorial contributions to the Dane County Humane Society or to a charity of one's choice.
A memorial service will be held at Coventry Village, 7707 N Brookline Dr, Madison, WI 53719 on Sat, March 16 at 2:00 pm.