Nerza Felix Ordona

Our beloved wife, Mama, Lola, Manang, and friend, Nerza Felix Ordona, passed away peacefully at her home in Durham on August 25, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Nerza was a ray of light—selfless, loving, and always caring for others. Her family was at the heart of everything she did. She went wherever she was needed—supporting her children from New Jersey to California to Europe—and shared adventures around the world with her husband. She lovingly prepared meals and looked after her husband of 58 years with quiet devotion.

Born in Mangatarem, Pangasinan, Philippines to Marcial and Juanita Felix, Nerza graduated from Baguio General Hospital School of Nursing in 1965. She devoted 42 years to nursing, beginning at Notre Dame and Marian Hospital in the Philippines and continuing in the U.S. in the Medical-Surgical and oncology units, and assisted living facilities across New Jersey, Maryland, and Ohio.

Nerza and Florencio first met in elementary school. Years later, he accompanied her to her nursing school dance, and in 1967, they were married—a partnership that spanned for nearly six decades.

Nerza cherished the simple joys of life. She loved collecting porcelain and jade, often finding treasures in thrift shops. She lovingly created collages of family photographs, celebrating her children and grandchildren. A green thumb by nature, she nurtured plants that thrived in her gentle care.

She was quick to smile, and her joyful laugh—warm, deep, and genuine—had a way of making everyone feel at ease just by being near her. She loved watching dance and music shows like Dancing with the Stars and America’s Got Talent, which never failed to lift her spirits.

Nerza is survived by her husband, Florencio; their five children: Anthony Ordona, Mary Anne Ordona, Arlene Ordona, Floriza Ordona-Vega, and Sylvia Calos; and her nine grandchildren: Emily Ordona, Terence Gourmelen, Luke Cezimbra, Evan Ordona, Skylar Vega, Laila Vega, Artemis Foukis, Raffaello Foukis, and Felix Calos. She is also survived by her siblings Carmelita, Estrellita, Ricardo, Ike, and Sonny. She joins in eternal rest her brother Manuel and sisters Ligaya, Teresita, and Rebecca.

Visitation will be held Sunday, August 31, from 4:00–6:00 p.m. at Hall-Wynne Funeral Home, 1113 W. Main Street, Durham, followed by a gathering to honor and remember Nerza at Hyatt Place Durham/Southpoint.

A Funeral Mass celebrating Nerza’s life will be held on Tuesday, September 2, at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Infant Catholic Church, 5000 Southpark Drive, Durham, followed by a reception at the DeSales Center at Holy Infant.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Bridge of Life, an international nonprofit working to prevent and treat chronic disease in underserved communities.

The Ordona family is under the care of Hall-Wynne Funeral Service. Online condolences may be shared at www.hallwynne.com under Obituaries.