Obituary of Norma Ladaga

Norma “Kuky” Abello Ladaga, a loving and devoted wife, mother, sister, and friend, died in her home in Annandale, Virginia on Thursday, April 14, 2022. She was 75.

Norma was born in Havana, Cuba and met her dear husband, Giovanni, while in high school. The two were married and have been inseparable ever since. Desperate to raise their two young sons, Giovanni Jr. and Giancarlo, outside of Communist Cuba, Norma and Giovanni worked tirelessly to make that dream a reality. Norma would regularly take her 6-year-old and 8-year-old sons with her to wait for hours in line at administrative offices to secure the family’s spot on the Mariel Boatlift. In May of 1980, the family’s dream came true and they came to the United States. Norma proudly became a United States citizen, although she never forgot where she came from or her family and friends in Cuba.

Norma lived in Northern Virginia for 42 years and spent almost her entire career working at Fairfax Hospital in the Pediatric Cancer, Labor and Delivery, and Anesthesiology departments.  She retired from Fairfax Hospital.

Norma had exquisite taste for silly Christmas knick-knacks, plastic swans that doubled as plant holders, and Avon products. She had an extensive shot glass collection from countries around the world (although she never had a sip of alcohol in her life). More than anything though, she adored her family. Norma and Giovanni taught their sons the importance of integrity, loyalty, compassion, and humor. Norma was a devoted sister and talked to her brother, Eduardo, every day. She is famous for calling family and friends on their birthdays and singing the Happy Birthday song to the person or their voicemail.

There are not words to express how deeply Norma will be missed. To her husband, she leaves her unwavering adoration and love. To her sons, she leaves her warmth, her loving memory, and her beautiful singing voice.  To her friends and family who she spoke to on an almost daily basis, she leaves her kindness and thoughtfulness. 

Norma’s memorial service will be on Saturday, April 30, 2022 at Advent Funeral Home in Falls Church, Virginia. Friends and family are welcome to come at 1:30 PM for visitation, and the memorial service will begin at 2:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that you share your favorite memories and stories about Kuky at the memorial service.