Catalina Arellano Subido

Catalina Arellano Subido of New City, NY, 96 years old, passed away peacefully on January 28, 2024, surrounded by her loving family.

Affectionately known as “Nena” to many, she was born on November 25, 1927 to the late Pedro and Donata (Villas) Arellano in the Province of Occidental Mindoro in the Philippines. The youngest of four, Catalina along with her siblings Bernabe, Celedonia, and Dionisia grew up in Tilik, Lubang. Catalina spent much of her younger years with her paternal grandmother and her father whom she loved dearly. She had jobs as a salesperson and also worked in the textile industry as a seamstress by trade. Her needling and stitching skills were unparalleled, as was her eye for fashion.

Catalina and her husband, Mariano, were married on September 6, 1954, and together they had six children. They continued to work and raise a growing family in Manila. In 1993, they immigrated to the United States, settling in New York where they simultaneously cared for grandchildren in the States and supported family in the Philippines. Catalina lived independently along with her husband, making a home in Spring Valley. She was a devout Catholic and an active member of the senior community in Rockland County and at the Church of St. Joseph’s. She also worked as a caregiver and babysitter for many families in the church community, and could often be found on the weekends line dancing and ballroom dancing at church socials and other gatherings. She made the best biko, a staple dessert at many potlocks she attended.

Catalina became a citizen of the United States on August 24, 2001, an achievement that was a personal point of pride for her. Her excitement was infectious as she studied for the civics portion of the naturalization test, mastered each question, and flawlessly recited the Pledge of Allegiance. She loved sports, including playing baseball and watching basketball and football. She had a subtle yet distinct sense of humor, a twinkle in her eye, and a laugh that could make others smile with joy. She delighted in being around or taking care of the family pets. At one point, she took in a stray dog and felt so fortunate to have a loyal four-legged companion, she appropriately named him Lucky.

Catalina lost her beloved husband at the end of 2011. She spent the rest of her years cherishing his memory while also continuing to treasure and nurture the lives and homes they built in the States and the Philippines. She did so with her trademark grace and loving spirit. She was the epitome of generosity, a selfless woman, and a truly incredible person. She wanted nothing for herself, but everything for everyone else; she would offer a helping hand to those in need; and she took great joy in seeing others happy.

Her strength and kind spirit had been tested over the past few years as she confronted health challenges. With the strong support of those around her, most especially from her devoted eldest daughter Emma, Catalina persevered with her quiet tenacity and faith – and oftentimes a chuckle – in the face of medical adversity.

By far, her greatest joys came from her family. She is survived by her daughters Emma (Mauro) Subido- Dizon and Marina Hilotina, and her sons Manuel (Nida) Subido, and Domingo (Emilia) Subido. She will forever be missed by her fourteen grandchildren: Melissa (Michael), Maureen (Marc), Marilyn (Michael), Maija, Harold (Lutgarda / Rochelle “Tseng”), Manuel Jr. (Almira), Cheska Francis, Michelle (Aries), Christian (Maryjane), Michael (Agnes), Marissa, Marian, Marjie, and Jaime. Her memory will be beloved by her seventeen great-grandchildren: Filippe, Simone, Miguel Mauriano, Joshua, Jako, Isabelah, Serenah, Markuz, Aelliot, Andy Gabrielle, Jose Manuel, Prince, Andre, Kirstie, Roshan, Mikhaila and Khian. In addition to her husband, parents, and siblings, Catalina was predeceased by her son, Ramon “Jojet”, and her daughter, Evelyn.

The family will receive friends from 9:00AM to 10:30AM on Monday, February 5 at Higgins Funeral Home in New City, New York. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:15AM at the Church of St. Joseph and St. Boniface (245 N Main St, Spring Valley, NY), followed by interment at the Brick Church Cemetery (221 Brick Church Rd, Spring Valley, NY). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Catalina’s honor to the Hudson Valley Humane Society, 200 Quaker Road, Pomona, NY 10970, or Hi-Tor Animal Care Center, 65 Firemens Memorial Drive, Pomona, NY 10970.