Nilda Colon Romero

Nilda Colón Romero, 65 of Worcester, a selfless woman who cared more about others than herself, passed away Saturday, June 24th 2017 surrounded by loved ones after a short period of declining health.  The fourth born of ten children, Nilda was born in Canovanas, Puerto Rico to Manuel Colón and Gregoria Romero. It was in Canovanas where she was raised and met the love of her life, Ramón Reyes in 1973. In 1984, Ramon and Nilda moved their family to Worcester where she lived out the rest of her days. Nilda was educated in Puerto Rico and earned her associates degree from Urban College in Boston.  Nilda dedicated her life to the improvement of self and others, especially children. Nilda served as a teacher’s assistant for 22 years for the Worcester Public Schools. In addition to the many years of public service, she was also a foster mom to countless children throughout the years. After retirement she founded, owned, and operated Nilda’s Daycare, where her children lovingly called her ‘Nana’.  Nilda is survived by her husband Ramón Reyes; her two children, Glendalys Reyes-Kittredge and her husband James Kittredge of Worcester, Juan R. Reyes and his wife Jackelyn Maldonado of Holden; four siblings, Abigail Colón, Alida E. Colón, Angel M. Colón and Norma I. Colón; two half-sisters, Sara Colon & Migdalia Colon; five grandchildren she cherished, Cassandra, Raymond, Serenity, Amaya and Brooklynn; as well as countless foster children she cared for and raised over the years.  Besides her parents, three siblings, Emanuel, Sol and Luis Colon predeceased her.  Nilda, always caring, was there to lend a heartfelt thought or to counsel someone in need. When loved ones came to visit her during her illness, it was often Nilda who offered words of encouragement and support.  Funeral services for Nilda will be held Saturday, July 1st at 1 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. A period of calling hours will be held from 11:00 am to the start of the service.   Burial will be private.  Memorial remembrances in her name can be made to St Jude Children’s hospital, 1 Danny Thomas Way, Memphis Tenn.  www.stjude.org