Julia Villanueva "Judy" Reyes

1962 - 2024

Julia "Judy" Villanueva Reyes, age 62, passed away on July 27, 2024. She was born on January 9, 1962 in Austin, Texas to Jose Roberto and Hermelinda Villanueva.

Judy is survived by her children Amando Reyes Jr. (Natascha), Roberto Martin Reyes (Jacklin), and Kristofer Lucian Reyes (Chana); and four grandchildren Knox Juniper Reyes, Lux Rowan Reyes, Ren Rebel Reyes, and Roberto Martin Reyes II. She is survived by two sisters, Erika Villanueva and Thelma Villanueva, her niece, Megan Rivera, and her God-sister, Sandra Hoffman. She is also survived by her loving parents Jose Roberto and Hermelinda Villanueva.

Judy kept a close circle of extended family and friends that included Jenniah Gelens, Ed Faison and her partner Nick Soza. The family appreciates their trust, dedication and commitment extended to Judy and our family.

Judy's zest for living life was only surpassed by her unconditional love for her boys and her grandchildren. Her grandchildren affectionately referred to her as "Gaju" (Gammy Judy). Her love can best be described by a quote by Jim Brickman: "You gave me the roots to start this life and then you gave me the wings to fly." Her guidance, her lessons, her examples will secure her legacy as we collectively keep Judy's memory alive in the hearts of her beloved family members.

Judy worked as a parent educator for Communities in Schools of Central Texas for over 20 years. It was the perfect reflection of her selfless dedication and commitment to the betterment of all people. As professed in the yin-yang philosophy, it begins with nothing and transforms into everything. She worked tirelessly to provide everyone a fair shake in this life. Judy worked with a variety of people from many countries and backgrounds. She embraced every nationality and relished in learning all about their traditions and cultures. Every encounter was simply one more opportunity to better understand humankind.

Judy had an insatiable love for travel and a thirst for knowledge. She was a curious soul that was always interested in knowing everyone she met on a more personal level. She never shied away from asking any question that she thought she wanted the answer to! That could certainly create some interesting situations. But in true Judy fashion, it was simply one more life experience, and life was meant to be lived.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Catholic mass at Our Lady of Guadalupe church located at 1206 E. 9th Street Austin, TX 78702 on Saturday, August 31, at 9:30 a.m.

Light lunch will be served following the mass at Primera Iglesia Bautista located at 2100 E. Ben White Blvd. Austin, TX 78741 from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.

Memorial donations may be made to Communities in Schools Central Texas https://secure.qgiv.com/for/ciscentraltexas.