Mercedes Castejon Reyes, age of 87, a devoted Catholic and beloved member of the Williamsburg, Virginia community, passed away peacefully on June 24, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.
Born on September 14, 1937, in Romblon, Philippines, Mercedes was the daughter of Sergio Castejon and Amalia Sanz Castejon. She spent her life devoted to her faith, family, and community. A parishioner of St. Bede Catholic Church, she was also an auxiliary member of the Legion of Mary. She enjoyed her work as an inspector at Canon Virginia, where she was known for her dedication, precision, and strong work ethic.
Mercedes found great joy in attending Mass and spending quiet time in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Her deep faith guided her actions and inspired those around her. She was known for her warm and generous spirit, her love of gatherings with friends and family, and her ever-present, camera-ready smile.
In her youth, Mercedes was an aspiring actress and was introduced on a few movies in the Philippines. Her elegance and charisma followed her throughout her life. She loved ballroom dancing, the music of Andrea Bocelli, and the golden hits of the 50s, 60s and 70s.
Mercedes was a nurturing matriarch who cared deeply for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. As a devoted wife to her beloved husband, she fulfilled the role with quiet strength, unwavering loyalty, and tender care – building a life rooted in love and companionship. Despite the challenges of raising a large family, she found laughter and joy in motherhood and extended that same warmth to others. She helped raise several children and lovingly embraced her friends’ children as her own. Her thoughtfulness was felt in every remembered birthday, anniversary, and special occasion—she was always the first to send heartfelt greetings and gifts, and made others feel deeply valued.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Elpidio P. Reyes; sons, Jerry and Edwin Reyes; grandson, Edmund Reyes; parents, Sergio and Amalia Castejon; and brother, Melchor Castejon.
Mercedes is survived by her children Elmer Evidente (Antonio Evidente-deceased), Raymond Reyes (Mav Reyes), Ronald Reyes (Anna Reyes), Jinky Reyes (Steven Anton), Dorothy Butler (Nolan Butler), and Cesar Reyes (Neryn Reyes). She is also survived by her grandchildren, including Hazel Reyes, Andrew Reyes, Jerry Reyes, Jerome Reyes, Maritoni, Maricris and Elton Evidente, James Reyes, Alexis Reyes, Thomas Marin, Aila and Lanz Sunga, Sophia, Sebastian and Kayleigh Reyes, and six great-grandchildren. Additional surviving family members include siblings Agustin Castejon, Sergio Castejon, Julian Castejon, and Estrella Deterala, as well as many dear relatives and friends.
A funeral service will be held at St. Bede Catholic Church in Williamsburg, Virginia, on July 18, 2025, beginning with the Rosary at 1:00 p.m., followed by Mass at 1:30 p.m. Mercedes will be laid to rest at Loyola Memorial in Marikina, Metro Manila, Philippines.
Her legacy of kindness, joy, and unwavering faith will be forever cherished. Mercedes’s lively and joyful presence will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.
In lieu of flowers please consider donating to:
- St. Bede Catholic Church
- Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN)
- St. Jude Research Hospital
