City of Newman Public Works Director Kathryn Reyes passed away on Jan. 5 at the age of 59.
Reyes, a beacon of resilience and generosity, leaves behind a legacy woven with compassion, strength, and unwavering dedication. Born in Merced in 1965, she bore the mantle of eldest sibling to six brothers and sisters, navigating a journey marked by resilience and determination. Her life was a testament to the power of second chances and the profound impact one can make on the lives of others.
Her story was one of constant movement, with her family relocating 17 times in 21 years before finally settling in Los Banos in 1976. Despite the challenges, Reyes’ spirit remained unbroken. Her path to success was carved through her unwavering commitment as a single mother, nurturing and guiding three children through their formative years while embarking on her own career journey.
As a single mother to three children — Tommy, Jennifer, and Robert — Reyes embarked on a transformative journey as a welfare-to-work mom. Her determination to seize opportunities for success resonated deeply, forming the cornerstone of her belief that everyone deserves a chance to elevate themselves beyond their circumstances. This pivotal moment not only redefined her path but also became the catalyst for her unwavering commitment to bettering the lives of those around her.
It was within the walls of the San Joaquin National Cemetery where destiny intertwined her path with Gilbert Reyes, her loving husband of 22 years. Together, they ventured to Livingston, nurturing dreams of establishing a small farm — a dream that eventually took root in 2011 in Stevinson, where they crafted a haven of love and togetherness.
For Reyes the farm was more than a parcel of land; it was a canvas for her boundless generosity. Her passion for gardening blossomed into an abundance of produce, shared generously with her community. Her happy flock of chickens produced more than eggs; it exuded her spirit of selflessness, giving away their yield to those who crossed her path.
Beyond her green thumb, Reyes fostered a love for literature, curating a home library that beckoned book lovers and provided solace in the pages of her favorite novels. Her love for nature mirrored her affection for reading, finding solace in the embrace of national forests and annual family gatherings that celebrated the beauty of the outdoors.
Her nurturing spirit extended to family vacations, where Disneyland became a conduit for boundless joy and cherished memories. She endeavored to embody the park’s mantra of happiness, though her family found the truest joy in her presence, surrounded by the warmth of her love. Throughout her life, Reyes’ love for family radiated brightly. Her children — Jason, Tommy, Jennifer, and Robert — stood as a testament to her enduring love, while her grandchildren — Macey, Maverick, and Rosie — filled her life with boundless joy and cherished moments.
Reyes’ impact transcended her immediate circle. Her pursuit of education, despite the rigors of being a full-time working mother, set a precedent for her children, fostering a legacy of determination and academic achievement. Her professional journey culminated in directing the public works departments of Gustine and Newman, where she orchestrated projects that united diverse communities.
“Kathryn’s journey with the City of Newman commenced back in November 2017, where she embraced the role of the City’s Public Works Director,” said Newman City Manager Michael Holland. “Throughout her tenure, Kathryn not only oversaw but infused passion into the design and construction of projects valued in the tens of millions of dollars. Among her cherished endeavors stands the Newman Community Conservation Area (NCCA), a heartfelt project seamlessly weaving together four distinct areas, culminating into a unified community treasure.
“The realization of this profound vision owes much to Kathryn’s relentless efforts, securing over $12 million dedicated to the design and construction of three out of the four designated areas,” Holland continued. “Furthermore, her instrumental role in fostering a multiyear partnership between the City and UC Merced’s Environmental Systems Graduate Group speaks volumes. This collaboration paves the way for the utilization of 16 acres within the site as constructed wetlands, aimed at addressing water treatment concerns from the Miller Ditch, particularly focusing on the removal of agricultural byproducts. It becomes evident that the NCCA project embodies Kathryn’s profound commitment to the Newman community and her unwavering dedication to environmental stewardship.
“Her impact, both professionally and personally, resonates deeply within the fabric of our community,” Holland said. “Kathryn’s legacy stands as a testament to her boundless passion, dedication, and love for Newman. She will forever remain an integral part of our story and an inspiration to us all.”
“Kathryn was more than a colleague; she was a cherished friend whose unwavering positivity and boundless enthusiasm illuminated every moment we shared, said Tiffany Vittorino, the City of Gustine Recreation Director. “From our collaborative efforts on projects like the soccer field initiative to the joyful chaos of events like the Christmas in the Park and the exhilaration of the 100-year celebration, Kathryn’s spirit made work an absolute pleasure. Sharing an office with her was a daily dose of inspiration — her infectious smile, her ability to turn any task into a joy, and her knack for lifting spirits were unparalleled. Our time working together on the time capsule project remains one of my fondest memories — laughing together, sorting through cherished mementos, and figuring out the puzzle of preserving our community’s memories. Kathryn had this incredible gift of infusing laughter and joy into every moment, leaving an indelible mark on all of us fortunate enough to have known her.”
Even in her final moments, Reyes’ indelible mark persisted. Her innate ability to heal and unite was a testament to her character, mending fractured relationships and leaving an enduring impact that stretched far beyond her warm embraces.
“Kathryn was an absolute gem, a true force of dedication and kindness,” said Judy Gandy, the director of the Gustine Chamber of Commerce. “Whenever our paths intertwined, whether it was for community events or joint projects, Kathryn’s commitment shone through brilliantly. She embodied reliability and warmth, a true sweetheart whose unwavering dedication made every task seem effortless. Newman’s loss of Kathryn is profound, for she wasn’t just a colleague; she was a beloved presence, dearly missed already. Her knack for working seamlessly with everyone, her unwavering support during fundraisers, and her active involvement in community events highlighted her genuine love for serving others. Kathryn’s impact extended far beyond our Chamber; she was a familiar face, known and cherished by restaurants and community members alike. Her active participation and unwavering dedication truly made our community stronger and more vibrant.”
Her generosity knew no bounds, as evidenced by her support for agencies like HAVEN in Modesto, the ASPCA, Toys For Tots, and the Gustine Traveling Library. Having experienced the kindness of these organizations firsthand, she perpetually paid it forward, embodying the essence of giving back to those in need. One such organization that Reyes supported was HAVEN, the women’s shelter in Modesto, which helped her and her children during her time of need. She never forgot this, and continued to support the shelter and those women who needed it most.
“There are moments throughout our lives that I can pinpoint my mother’s wisdom and kindness leading to me and my siblings and stepfather’s happiness, success, and willingness to kindly love,” said Reyes’ son Robert Spankowski. “She is the anchor that holds us together, the light that leads us when we are lost, and the love that maintains our hearts.”
Reyes, an embodiment of strength, compassion, and generosity, leaves behind a legacy that transcends time—an enduring testament to a life lived with unwavering love and boundless altruism.
