Cruz Reyes-Hooi

Cruz Reyes Hooi, age 85, of San Antonio, passed away in the mid-evening hours Tuesday, November 24, 2020 at Northeast Methodist Hospital.  Ms. Reyes-Hooi was born on December 28, 1934 in Ciales, Puerto Rico to the late Juan Reyes and Funadora Reyes De Jesus.  She married the love of her life, her best friend, Elias Hooi-Navarro on September 15, 1952 in New York, New York.  Together they spent the next 30 years, raising five children as an Army family, traveling the county and the world with his career.  On January 13, 1982, Elias passed away suddenly in Puerto Rico.

Cruz told stories of her childhood in Puerto Rico, mostly about the love she had for spending time with her father and following him around while shopping for the family’s food.  After she and Elias married, Cruz became a full-time homemaker and mother who took her responsibilities seriously and did her best to care for her beloved husband and children.  Her role often transitioned from mother to coach, mentor, doctor or whatever she needed to be for her five children.  Cruz loved to cook, especially all things Puerto Rican.   She enjoyed cleaning the house to salsa and any music that reminded her of Puerto Rico.

Cruz was a loving mother, to her children and to those friends who came home with them.  As soon as someone walked through the door, they were family and they were fed.  Her laugh was infectious and soothing, her touch was comforting and meaningful.  Cruz leaves behind a legacy that will live on in the hearts of those she loved for generations to come.

Cruz is survived by her children, John Hooi of Florida, Edwin Hooi-Reyes, and wife Jeannie, of Converse, Janet Hooi-Rodriguez, and husband Marcelino, of Erie, Pennsylvania, and Nancy Hooi-Madison of Live Oak; grandchildren, Monica Hooi-Rodriguez, Megan Madison, Nicole Hooi-Rodriguez, and husband Joshua Gaby, Pilar Hooi-Rodriguez Reese, and husband Levi, Bianca Alexis Hooi, and Elizabeth Madison; and by a host of other relatives and very special friends.

Cruz was also preceded in death by one son, Elias Hooi-Reyes, Jr., and by one granddaughter, Amber Daniel Hooi.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, November 30, 2020 at Chapel Hill Funeral Home and Memorial Park with Father Richard Aguilar officiating.  Burial will follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Park.  Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., Monday morning with the Recitation of the Rosary at 10:30 a.m.