06/15/2026
We are proud to announce our 2026 Madrina, Ruthie Reyes! 🌺🇵🇷
Ruthie Reyes was born and raised here in Waterbury with several siblings, Geraldo, Ada, Myrta, Evelyn, Nelly, Pam, and the late Nancy. She is the daughter of the late Ada Hilda Casiano Reyes of Juana Diaz, Puerto Rico, and Geraldo Hernandez Reyes of Jayuya, Puerto Rico. She is the proud mother of Melissa Matos and Ricardo Reyes-Scheiner and “Nana” to her five grandchildren, Mariah, Will, Mina, Travis and Ayana.
Ruthie was raised within a family legacy rooted in compassion for others and extending helping hands to all. With a passion for cooking and taking care of others, Ruthie has built a simple life that has been focused on her family and the needs of others. This calling has carried over into her professional life throughout the years.
In her earlier career, she worked at The Girls Inc for many years, teaching cooking classes, providing transportation for their afterschool program and putting together their first Bowling Team known as “The Strikers”. She then worked as a cook at Crosby High School and Wallace Middle School for over ten years. Ruthie’s joy in serving the youth did not stop there. She then went on to work as residential childcare worker for Family Services of Greater Waterbury for many years. Ruthie has been a dedicated caregiver to
the elderly for over seventeen years, offering compassion and assistance with their daily living activities during the most fragile time of their lives. And most recently, she is known as “Chef Ruthie” in the kitchen at Connecticut Junior Republic, a role that blends her love for cooking, her experiences in working with the youth, and her strength in taking care of others.
She has spent her life supporting those around her with compassion and quite strength. Through her guidance and unwavering support Ruthie has created lasting impacts on the lives of those around her. She believes that small acts of kindness, a warm meal, a listening ear, or a helping hand make the greatest difference. Her dedication to family and community has shaped countless lives and many friendships.
To know Ruthie is to know, she is a great cook, has a fun-loving personality, a big heart, loves traveling with her cherished group of friends, “The Traveling Divas” and the life of the party!
As we celebrate our 2026 theme, Boricua Taíno, we honor those who embody the values of family, resilience, and community. Ruthie Reyes represents all of that and more.
Congratulations, Ruthie, on being named our 2026 Madrina! 🌿✨
¡WEPA!
