Ma.Divina M. Valencia

Maria Divina M. Valencia, otherwise known as “Minna”,“Ite”, “Divie”,“Mrs.V”, 65, of Brooklyn, NY passed away surrounded by loved ones on April 29th, 2020 at 6:11pm after a month of battling COVID-19 at New York Presbyterian- Brooklyn Methodist Hospital. (She was possibly exposed to the virus from receiving dialysis three times a week)

Maria Divina was born on January 8th, 1955 to Urbano and Cecilia Malabunga in Marikina, Philippines. After graduating from Roosevelt College High School, she went on to study nutrition at DeOcampo Memorial College. She graduated in 1977 obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics.

After graduating, she worked at a food terminal in Pasig City and P.Gonzales Memorial Hospital as a dietician, until she migrated to the United States in 1979. Maria Divina, set her roots in Brooklyn, New York; a city that she loved. In 1980 she landed a job in the Department of Education as a School Food Service Manager. She loved her job so much and remained in the DOE up until her retirement in 2017 after 37 years of service.

Maria Divina met the love of her life, her husband Jose “Boyet” Valencia while in college in 1975. They started dating and after 10 years they got married on September 21st, 1985 in the Philippines. After Boyet’s arrival to New York, they had their first child, Jacqueline on March 5th, 1987. Their second child, Richard who was still born on May 1st, 1988. Their third child Jasmine was born on November 4th, 1991. Boyet and Minna had such a loving marriage and would’ve celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary this year.

Maria Divina lived such a full life, holding an unwavering faith in God, which she shared with those who surrounded her. The love she had for life was inspiring. She was a very dedicated and loving daughter, mother, wife, sister, aunt, Godmother, and friend. Minna excelled at supporting her family through their many passions and difficulties of their lives. Whether that was supporting Jackie and Jasmine on their chosen career paths; helping Boyet with his work from home assignments; or helping Jasmine on her big move to Arizona. She made it her mission to improve the lives of others. Her family was one of her most prized possessions and she embraced every moment with them.

Minna was passionate about dress making, crocheting and most of all cooking. She could be found in the kitchen cooking up one of her famous dishes like tinoyoan, chicken salad, morcon, bopis and many others, not just for regular dinners, but for big family parties. She always made sure everyone had a full belly and a happy heart. She was also a foodie who loved to eat whatever her heart desired.

Maria Divina is preceded in death by her father Urbano, her mother Cecilia and her son Richard. She is survived by her husband Jose, and her two daughters Jacqueline and Jasmine; her sister and husband Dolora and Virgilio Delarmente; brother and wife David and Susan Malabunga; brother and wife Deogracias and Sollie Malabunga; brother Dulcito Malabunga; brother and wife Abner and Celeste Malabunga; brother Devin Malabunga, along with a multitude of extended family, her many nieces and nephews, cousins and many good friends. She will be missed and fondly remembered, she may no longer be with us physically but all the memories we’ve shared and her legacy will continue to live on for years to come.

Family and friends may pay their respects in person at the Cusimano and Russo’s Funeral Home, located at 2005 West 6th Street Brooklyn, NY 11223 on Sunday, May 10th, 2020 from 2p.m.- 7p.m. Per current guidelines, masks MUST be worn upon entry, only 10 people are allows inside at any one time;

this will allow groups of 7 to enter, as Minna’s husband and 2 daughters will be inside to receive guests. As per Minnas request, please wear white so that she can be surrounded by her angels. We respectfully ask that everyone follow social distancing, and avoid the customary social customs during this time. We also ask that if there’s a chance you’re feeling under the weather or not sure if you should attend in person, that you join the online service we are making available to family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, we would like to request prayers, Mass cards or if you’d like, to donate a meal to moms ICU staff. She was at NYP-Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, the Main ICU - we know she would’ve fed them every day if she could to show her appreciation and feel that the act would be a great way for her to be remembered. If you go this route, please include a note to thank them for all the effort, compassion, and attention they provided for her while she was under their care. We appreciate all the love, support and prayers that you have given us throughout this difficult chapter in our lives. May God continue to bless & cover you.

Our family would also like to express our sincere gratitude and appreciation to ICU staff at NYP-Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, from the nurses, to the technicians and the many physicians who participated in her care during her hospitalization. Thank you for all that you have done, you will never be forgotten.