Maria Luisa A. Reformina

Maria Luisa “Malou” Allado Reformina, 77, passed away peacefully on the morning of July 8, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her loving family in her final moments.

Born in Davao City, Philippines, Malou was the beloved daughter of Honorio Allado Sr. of Ilocos Norte and Elisa Fernandez of Jolo. She grew up in a close-knit family with two sisters and three brothers. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, Malou’s life was marked by resilience, grace, and a deep, abiding love for family.

She earned her degree in Foreign Service from the University of the Philippines, where she was a dynamic student leader and served as Grand Archon of the Sigma Delta Phisorority—an organization she remained actively involved with throughout her life.

Professionally, she began her career with the Philippine Board of Investments and later pursued her entrepreneurial passions by founding a catering and confectionary business before moving to the United States. Malou had a remarkable gift for hospitality. Her home was a warm and welcoming place,always filled with laughter, music, and the comforting aroma of her delicious home-cooked meals and desserts. She was known for making every gathering memorable through her culinary talent and heartfelt presence.

A lifelong music lover, Malou enjoyed playing the piano, singing, and watching Broadway shows. Her passion for musical theater blossomed in college as a performer and continued throughout her life, enriching her home with song and joy

On February 28, 1976, she married Cornelio Reformina Jr. of Albay,a fellow Universityof the Philippines graduate. Together, they built a beautiful life and raised five children:Karina, Louie, Carla, Diane, and Clarissa.

In 1986, Malou and Cornelio immigrated to the United States and settled in Nanuet, New York. They were joined by their children two years later. Malou worked at Lederle Laboratories (now Pfizer) in Pearl River,NY until her retirement. Through her hard work and dedication, she helped pave the way for her children to thrive and achieve the American dream, with all five graduating from college in the U.S.

In her later years, Malou celebrated many milestones, including a joyful surprise party for her 75th birthday surrounded by family and friends. She and Cornelio also traveled the world together, creating lasting memories. Earlier this year, they moved to Hill House senior residences in Riverside, Greenwich, Connecticut, close to their son Louie and his family.

Malou is survived by her devoted husband of nearly 50 years, Cornelio; her loving children and their spouses: Karina (Jamie Leder), Louie (Abbe Reformina), Carla (Vinny Alipit), Diane (Joseph Brunelli), and Clarissa (Joan Garcia); and her cherished grandchildren: Aidan, Brandon, Emilia, Louis, Kayla, Nico, Bella, and Kira. She is also survived by her sister Maria Elisa “Baby” Allado and her brother Ramon Allado.

Above all, Malou cherished time with her family—especially her grandchildren, who brought her immense joy and pride.

A Celebration of Life will be held with a viewing on Saturday, July 12, from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Higgins Funeral Home, 321 South Main Street, New City, NY. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, August 2, at 10:00 a.m. ET at St. Anthony’s Shrine Church, 36 West Nyack Road, Nanuet, NY. Flowers in her memory may be sent to Higgins Funeral Home.

Malou’s legacy of love, music, hospitality, and devotion will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.