Marina DeLeon Reyes

Marina DeLeon Reyes, a devoted Registered Nurse, wife, mother, sister, and beloved “Lola,” passed away on April 23, 2025, at the age of 61. She was born on June 2, 1963.

Marina immigrated to the United States in 1986 and dedicated her life to caring for others. She was a loyal and supportive wife to her husband Fernando Cruz for 39 years. She was a proud mother to Alexander Brent Cruz and James Cruz, and was a doting Lola to her treasured granddaughter, Madeline Cruz.

Outside of her remarkable nursing career, Marina enjoyed gardening, running, watching movies (especially horror and comedy), and was an incredible cook. With food as her love language, any guest welcomed into her home was greeted with a home cooked meal, baked goods, and an assortment of leftovers for all to take home. Cooking was one of the ways that she truly cherished the moments spent with her family. Marina shared her recipes to ensure that her love language continued to endure.

Marina is preceded in death by her parents, Genereso and Pacita, her brother Julio, her brother-in-law Enrico, her sister-in-law Lilia, and her beloved dog Cinnamon.

She survived by her husband, Fernando, sons Alexander Brent (Kristina), and James, granddaughter Maddie, beloved siblings, Jesus (Maria) Reyes, Christian (Ellen) Reyes, Bernadette Dijamco, Teresa (Kevin) Ward, and Federico Reyes, sister-in-law Jasmine, her many nieces and nephews, friends, and extended family in the US and abroad.

As a lifelong devout Catholic, her memorial services will be held at St. Mary of the Annunciation (22333 W Erhart Rd, Mundelein, IL 60060) where she was a parishioner for over 20 years. Services are on Tuesday May 6th with visitation beginning at 10a and mass beginning at 11a.

Marina will be deeply missed by her loved ones. However, through her loyalty, strength, grace, humility, and infectious humor, she will be remembered fondly for many generations to come.

Arrangements entrusted to Chicagoland Cremation Options in Schiller Park, Illinois.