Nicolasa Reyes

Nicolasa Reyes Claros Passed away on June 23, 2020.  Nicolasa was born on December 25, 1933 in the town of Jocoro, Morazan, El Salvador.  She had 2 daughters, Maria Argelia Quinteros and Rosa Marina Reyes (who passed away at the age of 6.)  She worked and lived in  “Hacienda San Jose” in Chilangera, San Miguel for many years cooking and selling food to the Hacienda’s workers.  In 1976 she moved to Soyapango, San Salvador and in the early 80’s moved to San Jose las Flores, San Salvador  where she lived with her Daughter Argelia.  During this time she helped raise her three grandchildren (Ruben, Jharlin, and Edwin) as well as cooking and selling food for a living.

She came to Lethbridge on May 6, 2000, where she reunited with her daughter Argelia, her husband and grandchildren after 13 years apart having left El Salvador in 1987.  Nicolasa was a strong, loving, caring woman who was known for her hospitality.  She was always ready and willing to help those in need.   She was a Christian her entire life and was very involved in church activities.  She loved singing hymns and would tell everyone who listened about her love for Jesus Christ. 

To her three grandchildren she was forever “Mama Grande” (Big Mama).  While no one remembers when they first called her by that name, likely it had to do with the fact that she was older than their mother.  Up until the day she passed away, her grandchildren never called her Grandma or any other common name.  She always was Mama Grande.  The phrase caught on and many other people knew her as simply Mama Grande. 

Mama Grande leaves behind her Daughter Argelia, Son-In- law Ruben Quinteros Sr, grandsons Ruben Alcides Quinteros, Jose Jharlin Quinteros, and  Edwin Quinteros (Holly) She is also survived by 14 beautiful great grandchildren.