Ada Cruz Uvas

Ada Cruz Uvas, age 86 years, passed away on the evening of March 19, 2026 surrounded by her family and friends at her home in Jacksonville, Florida. Born 1940 in Mangatarem, Pangasinan, Philippines, Ada graduated from nursing school before immigrating to the United States, where she was recruited to start her nursing career in Saginaw, Michigan. While there, in 1965, she married her longtime sweetheart, “Ney,” who had already left the Philippines a few years prior to serve in the U.S. Navy. Shortly after, the young newlyweds settled in Rhode Island and Massachusetts to start a family, having three children. In 1975, Ada and family relocated to Jacksonville, Florida where, with the exception of a few years in Maryland between 1978-1981, she worked in registered nursing for both Memorial and Brooks Rehabilitation Hospitals until her retirement after a 40 year career.

Ada enjoyed spending time with loved ones, often traveling to visit family and friends in locations around the U.S. like Illinois, Wisconsin, Ohio, and California. Upon the end of her career, Ada traveled with her husband to the Philippines and purchased a 2nd house for their frequent trips back to their home country throughout their retirement years. Ada was affectionately dubbed the “Queen of Mahjong” as she loved playing the tile-based Asian game with family and friends alike. She was a lifelong parishioner and a member of the Filipino Apostolate at Blessed Trinity Catholic Church.

Ada is preceded in death by her parents, Eligio Cruz and Guadalupe Ferrer Cruz, her siblings Elsie, Lita, and Robert Cruz, as well as her husband and “Ney,” Jeno M. Uvas, Sr.

Ada is survived by her three children, Mariebeth, Jeno Jr., and Chuck; two grandchildren, Gabrielle and Zachary; and her great grandson, Atlas.

Amongst her numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws, Ada was well-loved by her extended family and lifelong friends alike. Her gracious kindness, fun-loving and generously giving nature will be deeply missed by many.

Visitation will be held at Hardage - Giddens Greenlawn Funeral Home, 4300 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32207, US, on April 23, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

Visitation will also be held at Blessed Trinity Catholic Church, 10472 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32246, US, on April 24, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm, followed by a Funeral Service at the same location on April 24, 2026, at 12:00 pm.

A Committal Service will take place at Greenlawn Cemetery, 4300 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32207, US, on April 24, 2026, at 1:30 pm. A reception in Hardage-Giddens Greenlawn Funeral Home will follow the committal.