By Trina A. San Agustin
Variety News Staff

ROSA Aguigui Reyes, the first woman elected into the Guam Congress, now known as the Guam Legislature, died at her Merizo home yesterday morning.
Reyes served as a senator in 1946. She was later known as Rosa Aguigui.
According to Merizo Mayor Sherry Chargualaf, a nightly Mass is being said in Reyes’ memory at 7 p.m. in the San Dimas Our Lady of the Rosary Church.
The tentative date for Reyes’ burial is set for Feb. 10 at the same church. She will be buried at the Merizo Cemetery, according to Reyes’ sister-in-law, Terisita Aguigui of Merizo.
“She was a well renowned woman in the village,” said Chargualaf.
Ike Aguigui said his aunt sat in the Guam Congress in 1946. The Guam Congress was created by the Naval Government to serve as an advisory board. Some members of the Guam Congress were appointed by the naval governor, while others were elected.
It wasn’t until the Organic Act was passed on Aug. 1, 1950 that the Guam Legislature was created.
Ike Aguigui said his aunt was also inducted into the Guam Educators’ Hall of Fame in 1983, and became a pioneer for education.
“She served as a role model for Chamorro women and women in general. During those times, it was very much unheard of for women to advance into many positions as society thought their place was in the home. I think that she paved the way for a lot of modern day women,” Ike Aguigui said.
Gov. Felix P. Camacho said Reyes was one of Guam’s earliest educators.
“Our island mourns the loss of this pioneering woman who made history here and set an example for all women on Guam. I ask all residents to pray for Mrs. Reyes’ husband and her family during this very difficult time,” said Camacho.
Reyes is survived by her husband Ignacio Reyes.