Melba (Reyes) Zarate, a longtime resident of Charlestown, entered into eternal life on Sunday, February 15, 2026 in her home following a brief illness. She was 82 years of age.
Melba was born in Manila, Philippines on September 1, 1943, a daughter of the late Gelacio Reyes and Victoria (Angeles) Reyes. She grew up in Tarlac, Philippines where she attended elementary school, high school, and graduated from the Philippine College of Commerce with a Bachelor of Science in Commerce – Accounting Major. Melba worked as an accountant for Marubeni-Iida Ltd in Vancouver, Canada before immigrating to the United States. She got married in Boston, Massachusetts in May of 1969 and became a naturalized U.S. citizen in December of 1975. She worked as an Assistant to the Controller of the Harvard Business Review, managing the accounting office.
Melba guided her only child’s education and early life. She was the one who taught him to drive a manual-transmission car. She coordinated many Filipino religious activities for the Sto. Ninio Mission Society.
Melba is the loving wife of the late Benigno C. Zarate. She is the devoted mother of Philip Zarate. She is the dear sister of Manuelo Reyes, Renato Reyes, Bonifacio Reyes,
Sixto “Popoy” Reyes, Cesar Reyes, Athena Reyes and the late Vienna Reyes, Ello Reyes and Victor Reyes.
Melba’s services will be private.