Nora Ablaza De Leon

Nora Ablaza Deleon, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, passed peacefully in her home surrounded by loved ones in the early morning of October 18, 2025. She is survived by her sister Lualhati Samin, her daughters Zenaida DeLeon-Cordero, Sonia Deguzman, Emilita Manalo, and Rowena DeLeon-Rabo, and 18 grandchildren. Nora and her late husband Pablo C. DeLeon, made their way through humble beginnings in provincial Philippines and traveled to Staten Island, New York to live and grow among their blooming family. Her hard-working, diligent, virtuous nature knew no bounds. She dedicated many years to caretaking as a nurse’s aide, seamstress, housekeeper for the infamous “Mrs. Berman”, and most known for 15+ years as a team member of Sears department store where she eventually retired.  Known as “Nanay Nora” to all, she was indeed a motherly guiding force as the matriarch of her family, providing guidance and life stories in order to provide insight for ones who need it the most. She provided comfort and safety to those who came to America in search of their own new beginnings. Nora was acclaimed for her green thumb in her blooming home garden, as a skilled home chef who cooked from memory with no plans of divulging recipes, and a hostess to numerous family gatherings at their residence on Rhine Avenue.  Though she will be deeply missed, Nora’s spirit will continue to live on in the hearts and hands of those she loved. Every shared meal, every blooming flower, and every family gathering carries her gentle touch–a reminder that love, when rooted deeply, never fades. As she reunites with her beloved husband, Pablo, in eternal peace, her family takes comfort in knowing her life was full, her faith unwavering, and her love everlasting.  Viewing services will be held in Martin Hughes Funeral Home, 530 Narrows Rd S, Staten Island, New York 10304 on Sunday October 19th and Monday October 20th from 4:00pm–8:00pm. Nora will be interred alongside her husband, Pablo C. DeLeon, in Manila Memorial Park Holy Cross in Quezon City, Philippines.  

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