It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Geraldine Ruth Reza, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and cherished member of the community. Geraldine was lovingly referred to as "Geri" by all that knew her. Geri was born on January 30, 1935, at the old Providence Hospital in Northwest Washington, D.C. She was raised in the Michigan Park neighborhood of Northeast, Washington, D.C. by her devoted parents, Eugene Leroy Ware and Frances Helen Binns. She was the last of three children, and her older brothers, Robert (Bob) and John, lovingly watched over their little sister. Geri's upbringing was rooted in strong family values and a deep appreciation for her heritage. She attended St. Francis de Sales Catholic School and later graduated from St. Patrick’s Academy Catholic Business School in downtown Washington D.C. in 1953. Following her education, Geri embarked on a fulfilling career at the Chesapeake & Potomac Telephone Company Finance Department, where she dedicated 34 years of service before retiring. Geri took great pride in her English, Scottish, and Irish heritage, and she held a deep admiration for her ancestor patriots, including Charles Binns of Leesburg, VA, and George Beall, Jr., the proprietor of Georgetown, DC. She was particularly honored to be a Daughter of the American Revolution, a tribute to her mother's legacy.
In 1955, Geri married Alfredo ("Al") Mario Reza, a decorated veteran of WWII and the Korean War. Together, they built a life filled with love and devotion in Hyattsville, Maryland, where they raised their three beloved sons: Alan, Adam, and Michael. Geri was a devoted wife and mother, and her family was the center of her world. Geri cherished spending time at home surrounded by her sons, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. After 67 years of marriage, Geri experienced the loss of her beloved husband, Al, in March of 2023. Despite this profound loss, Geri found solace in the presence of her loving family.
Geri is preceded in death by both of her parents, Eugene and Frances Ware, and her brothers, Robert ("Bob") and John Ware. Geri is survived by her loving sons and their wives, Alan and Stephanie, Adam and Margaret, and Michael and Beki Reza. She is also survived by her grandchildren and their spouses: Kristen and David Atkins, Adam II and Katie Harris, Ana and Mario Burkett, Austin, Alan Jr., and Spencer Reza. Additionally, Geri leaves behind five great-grandchildren: Ava Reza-Mason, Ezra, Joey, and Charlie Atkins, and Covey Burkett. She also is survived by her brother and sister-in-laws: Jean Reza, Esther Lopez, Katy and Sammy Huerta, Rufus Reza, and Anita Jordan. Finally, she is survived by many nieces and nephews that she loved dearly, including Deborah Ware, who held a special place in her heart. Geri Reza's memory will live on in the hearts of her family and friends. Her memory will always be a blessing.