Azucena B. Reyes

Azucena Bantug "Ceny" Reyes, known affectionately to her siblings as "Ditse," passed away peacefully at home with her son by her side on July 7, 2026, at the age of 91.

She was born on June 2, 1935, in San Isidro, Nueva Ecija, Philippines. Azucena graduated from the Pontifical and Royal University of Saint Thomas in Manila with a Bachelor of Science in Commerce before emigrating to the United States in 1970 with her beloved husband, Panfilo. After initially settling in Jersey City, New Jersey, they relocated to Columbus, Ohio, where she worked for and eventually retired from the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation.

She was a faithful parishioner at St. Matthew the Apostle Catholic Church in Gahanna, Ohio. Azucena had a deep love for her family and a wonderful passion for life. She and Panfilo loved exploring the world together on cruises and group trips, and they were always ready to share a dance. An exceptional cook, she took great joy in preparing meals for her loved ones. Her absolute greatest happiness, however, was her role as a grandmother, watching her granddaughter, Harper, grow and play.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Panfilo Sales Reyes; her parents, Julio Bantug and Lucia Martinez; her sisters, Lilia and Puring; her brother, Chito; and her half-siblings, Gabriel, Florinda, and Bobby.

She is survived by her son, Anthony (Ashley) Reyes; her granddaughter, Harper; and her half-siblings, Corazon, Julio Jr., Romeo, Thelma, Vicky, and Malou.

A memorial mass will be held at St. Matthew the Apostle Catholic Church, 807 Havens Corners Road, Gahanna, OH 43230, on Tuesday, July 28, 2026 at 10:30 am.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association in honor of Azucena Reyes' memory.