Obituary of Reyna Wallsh

?Reyna Schwartz Wallsh, the well known owner of Reyna's Paper Dolls and a long time resident of Englewood and Tenafly before then, died on August 7 from complications of a stroke. She was 69. She is survived by her husband of 44 years, Richard A. Wallsh, a daughter, Alexis M. Wallsh of Santa Monica, CA, a brother, Gerald Schwartz of Manhattan, his wife Suzanne and their two daughters. She also leaves behind Richard's large family, including his two brothers, a sister, many nieces and nephews, as well as numerous other relatives and countless friends from coast to coast. Much like Beyoncé or Madonna, Reyna was known to everyone by her first name. She lived in Englewood for 11 years and previously in Tenafly for 26 years. And truly the whole community knew and loved Reyna from her many activities. Most recently, she had reopened her unique gift store, Reyna's Paper Dolls, on Railroad Avenue in Tenafly after operating it for 11 years at the Kaplan Jewish Community Center in Tenafly. More than the owner, Reyna was the personality behind the store. The popular business first opened in a basement on North Summit Avenue in Tenafly in 1985, where it quickly built a reputation as the place to go for toys, games, decor, housewares and other gifts. Summer camp was lonely without a "care" package from Reyna's Paper Dolls. Holidays were a good excuse to spend some money and schmooze there. After all, the best gift was Reyna herself, with a big presence, warm smile, memorable laugh. . . and maybe a few stories to share. Reyna should have run for mayor, according to a lot of people. Or founded Facebook. She was born in New Haven , CT, on July 15, 1951, to the late Ida and Aaron Schwartz, both New Haven natives. She graduated from James Hillhouse High School in New Haven and attended Lasalle College in Boston and Long Island University. In recent years, Reyna had been a member of Hadassah of Northern New Jersey and the Kaplen Jewish Community Center. She passed away peacefully at the Jewish Home of Rockleigh nine weeks after the stroke. Everyone there knew Reyna, too. Donations in Reyna's memory should be made to the Jewish Home of Rockleigh.