Reatha Fay Kantor

VIRGINIA BEACH – Our beloved matriarch, Reatha Mirman Kantor (affectionately known as “Re”) passed away on April 25, 2025, at the age of 89.

Reatha was born on August 7, 1935, in Norfolk, Va., the youngest child of Taft and Dora Mirman. She graduated from Maury High School and studied early childhood education at the Norfolk Division of William and Mary.

She married her Prince Charming, Barry Kantor, on June 5, 1955 – hours after he graduated from Virginia Tech. They would go on to spend 67 beautiful years together. Reatha spent her first six years of marriage as an Air Force wife living in Waco and Harlingen, Tex. and Falmouth, Mass. During those years she worked as a nursery schoolteacher and was a full-time mom to their daughter, Debbie Lu.

After Barry completed his active duty, the Kantors moved to Charlottesville where Reatha was a stay-at-home mom raising Debbie and new son, David, while Barry earned his law degree.

Strong family ties lured them back to Norfolk, where Barry began his law practice. For many years, Reatha kept her large family closely connected by hosting holiday gatherings and Sunday afternoon pool parties.

Following the loss of her mother, Reatha seamlessly embraced the role of matriarch, becoming the heart and foundation of our family. She, with Barry, was our anchor.

Reatha loved playing in her weekly Mah Jongg games, taking exercise classes, entertaining, traveling, and creating gorgeous needlepoint pictures and pillows. She was a lifelong member of Congregation Beth El and the Sisterhood, life member of Beth Sholom Auxiliary, and a member of B’nai Brith. She and Barry were ardent Hokie fans and held season tickets to football games, hosting lavish tailgates for any family and friends wanting to join.

Her spirit was marked by her extraordinary adaptability and positive outlook. She inspired us by example as she navigated life’s hardships with strength, grace, and optimism. Re will be fondly remembered by so many for her radiant smile, unwavering warmth, and the natural ease with which she welcomed others. Her friendliness was sincere and heartfelt, creating a sense of belonging wherever she went. Her hospitality was more than just a gesture—it was a reflection of her generous spirit and deep love for people.

Whether sharing a kind word, or simply offering a listening ear, she made everyone feel seen, valued, and important.

She was predeceased by her parents, Taft and Dora Mirman; her husband, Barry; her daughter, Debbie; her grandson, Zachary; her sister and brother-in-law, Pearl and Hymie Brooke; her brother and sister-in-law, Sonny and Bunny Mirman; and her sister and brother-in-law, Brenda and David Bromley. She will be missed by her son David, six grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. In addition, she was dearly loved by her nieces and nephews, extended family, and many friends.

Reatha’s funeral was held at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Norfolk, Va. Her family would like to express their love and sincere appreciation to her great niece, Lauren Barkan, who lovingly did all she was able to be sure Reatha was comfortable and well cared for during her time of need.

Donations in Reatha’s memory to Jewish Family Service of Tidewater.