Obituary of Norma Lavides

Norma Lavides, 80, of Staten Island, passed away on October 18, 2025. She was the beloved mother of Ryan Belen and his wife Ivelisse, and the late Jay Belen; cherished grandmother of Christopher Belen; dear sister of Constancia Santander and her husband Richard, Marcial Lavides III and his wife Maria, Editha Baja and her husband Arsenio, Victor Lavides and his wife Myra, and Luis Lavides and his wife Wilma. She was also survived by many loving cousins, nieces and nephews. Norma, fondly known by her nickname "Baby", was born and raised in Atimonan, Quezon, Philippines and was the eldest daughter of the late Marcial Lavides Jr. and the late Felicitacion Orejola Lavides. From an early age she was an avid dancer and proudly served as a majorette while at Quezon Memorial High School. She graduated from National University in Manila with a Bachelor of Arts in November 1968. She immigrated to the United States in 1980 where she raised her two sons in New York while instilling the importance of traditional family values. Norma was an excellent cook and enjoyed hosting family gatherings. She cherished spending time with her loved ones and celebrating the Filipino culture. Memorial service from the Matthew Funeral Home, Inc., 2508 Victory Boulevard, will be held Thursday, October 23. Family and friends may visit from 4:00 to 9:00 PM. Mass will be celebrated at St. Adalbert's Church Friday, October 24 at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow in Moravian Cemetery, Staten Island, NY.