Myrna Reyes

On February 25, 2022, Myrna A. Kabiling Reyes passed peacefully on to eternal life. Born in 1943, Myrna was the eldest child of the late Alejandro Kabiling, Sr. and late Pilar Afable Kabiling. She is survived by her brother Alejandro Kabiling, Jr. and was predeceased by her youngest brother Wilfrido Kabiling.

Because Myrna’s father served in the US Army, it allowed her family to move to the United States. While there, Myrna attended school in New York City, where she graduated high school at the age of sixteen.  Afterward, she attended New York University while also working as a shoe model for Lord and Taylor-New York. After Myrna’s time in the US, her family settled back in the Philippines where she continued her studies at Maryknoll College.

Myrna eventually met her charming, handsome, and equally intelligent, future husband Jose “Joe” Reyes, Jr. (predeceased). Both had a shared passion for history, art, literature, philosophy, theology, politics, dancing, and music. They would later have four children: Romanino Reyes (predeceased), Janina (Michael) Huff, Angelica (Philip) Yuengling, and Generosa (Richard) Adams. Their marriage of 48 years was like no other.

Shortly after being married, Joe worked in the US and visited family in the Philippines when he was able. With the help of family in the Philippines, Myrna was able to continue her education and graduated from the University of the Philippines. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Architecture, and in 1979 she received her architecture license to practice in the Philippines.

After some time, Joe’s company sponsored his whole family to live in the US. So, Myrna and her family made the herculean move to permanently live there. Eventually, they settled in Connecticut where she worked for Bernard Burg’s Architectural and Planning firm. Her work colleague described her as being a very hard and efficient worker, always kind and thoughtful, and a really good cook! Later, Myrna became an art teacher for the Waterbury Girls’ Club. She shared her enthusiasm and knowledge of art and inspired her students. Throughout her life, Myrna continued to share her love of art with her children and grandchildren, many who carry a similar passion. She is survived by her grandchildren: Joseph and Abigail Huff; Regina, Cecilia, Olivia, and Theresa Yuengling; and Ellie Adams; and a host of nieces and nephews.

From the beginning to the end of her life, Myrna was a contemplative. She deeply cared about the world, her family, her friends, and was a devout Catholic. Now that she has departed, we take comfort that she has joined her loved ones that have passed before her. She will be sadly missed.

Visitation will begin at 11:00am on Friday, March 18, 2022 at St. Patrick Church, 4101 Norbeck Road, Rockville, MD, where the Mass will begin at 12:00pm. Interment to follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Silver Spring, MD.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be be made in Myrna’s memory to help the Ukraine via UNICEF: https://www.unicefusa.org/

or to the Sisters of Our Lady of LaSalette at: Sisters of Our Lady of LaSalette - Arlington Missions Office: https://arlingtonmissions.org/mission/sisters-of-our-lady-of-lasalette/