Adelina Yarza Simon

October 10, 1946 – February 17, 2024

Adelina “Ning Ning” Simon was born in Zaragoza, Philippines on October 10, 1946.

Adelina passed away peacefully at Calvary Hospital on February 17, 2024. She fought cancer with courage, faith, and humility.

As the youngest daughter of Martina Yarza Simon and Santiago Santos Simon, she is survived by six of her seven siblings: Lydia Simon, Juliet Simon, Barbara Simon Perdon, Rodolfo Simon, Yolando Simon, and Antonio Simon. She leaves behind a legacy of faith and love through her nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, extended family, and friends.

Her family and friends affectionately addressed her as “Ning Ning”. Derived from the Tagalog word maningning, her nickname perfectly described her nature because she was a bright, sparkling, and radiant person. Her light will continue to shine brilliantly in heaven.

Ning Ning earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering at Mapua Institute of Technology in the Philippines. Shortly after graduating, she took care of her sick father while working for the Philippines Department of Agriculture as a Computer Analyst. On August 4, 1980, she immigrated to the United States with her eldest sister, Lydia. Two months later, she started working at the United Nations as a Computer Analyst until her retirement in the late 2000s.

Ning Ning loved life and enjoyed travelling. She took pleasure in baking and discovering new recipes. Ning Ning was a devout Catholic and was very passionate in sharing her faith in God. She was kind and generous. She helped many people throughout her life, including family and friends. Her philanthropy extended to churches and convents as well as charitable organizations such as: American Cancer Society, Susan G. Komen, UNICEF, St. Jude’s Children Hospital just to name a few.

Her love for all was infinite! We will miss her dearly, but she will be forever in our hearts.

Her family is grateful for the family members, friends, physicians, and healthcare workers who all contributed to her cancer treatments and helped her emotionally, mentally, and physically throughout her journey.

Memorial Mass will be held at the Church of Notre Dame at 405 West 114th Street, New York City, NY 10025 on Saturday, February 24, 2024, at 10:00AM.

(John 14:1-4): “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place of you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.”