Yolanda Mercado Arzadon

Yolanda Espejo Mercado Arzadon November 11, 1937 – June 17, 2025
With deep sorrow and immense love, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, Yolanda Arzadon, who peacefully joined our Lord on June 17, 2025, at the age of 87.
Born on November 11, 1937, in Moncada, Tarlac, Philippines, Yolanda lived a life defined by independence, strength, and grace. A free spirit with a heart of gold, her kindness, generosity, and joyful presence touched everyone blessed to know her. Yolanda earned her Bachelor's degree in Education from National University, preparing her for a career as a teacher. However, she soon discovered a deep interest in numbers and financial systems. After immigrating to the United States, she pursued this passion and earned an Associate's Degree in Accounting, eventually retiring from the Federal Government as a respected Accountant.
A devout Catholic, Yolanda lived her faith with quiet conviction and boundless compassion-embodying Christian love in her everyday actions. Her guiding principle was simple and unwavering: family always comes first. She nurtured her loved ones with steadfast support, wisdom, and warmth.
Champion of Community and Culture
Following the passage of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, Yolanda and her husband, Johnny, made the courageous decision to migrate to the United States in 1968, leaving behind their four young children in the care of relatives. They did so with hope and determination, seeking better opportunities for their family's future. It was an extraordinary sacrifice that laid the foundation for the lives their children and grandchildren enjoy today.
Yolanda would go on to become a tireless advocate for Filipino American visibility in the United States. In 1989, while working for the Pennsylvania Avenue Development Corporation (PADC), she played a pivotal role in securing Freedom Plaza for the first Philippine Festival and Parade ever held on Pennsylvania Avenue-the symbolic "Main Street of America." The historic event brought Filipino music, food, and dance to the heart of Washington, D.C., affirming Filipino Americans as a vibrant community contributing meaningfully to American life.
Thanks to Yolanda's leadership and influence, Philippine Independence Day celebrations on Pennsylvania Avenue continued for many years, showcasing rich cultural traditions and fostering pride throughout the DMV region.
Gifted with a beautiful singing voice, Yolanda often lent her talents to fundraisers and cultural events-frequently at the invitation of the Philippine Embassy. A member of the Queen of Apostles Catholic Church choir for decades, she was often selected as the soloist. As the only other President of the Philippine American Cultural Arts Society (PACAS), she helped the organization thrive, especially in deepening Filipino-American youth's appreciation for their heritage through folk dances and traditional music. Together with her husband, Johnny-an accomplished guitarist-Yolanda also brought joy to senior citizens and memory care residents by performing during the holidays. Whether organizing festivals, staging benefit concerts, or performing in intimate settings, she used her gifts to unite people in celebration and uplift those in need.
A Life of Service: Her Greatest Legacy Among Yolanda's proudest contributions was her work with Medical Mission of Mercy USA (MMOM USA), co-founded by her son, Dr. Joseph M. Arzadon. From its inception, Yolanda devoted herself to the organization's growth-planning annual fundraising galas and traveling to underserved provinces in the Philippines to support the sick and poor.
Alongside her children and husband, she participated in these medical missions wholeheartedly. Her lasting message: Be kind. Help those who cannot help themselves.
A Legacy of Love Yolanda is survived by her devoted husband and high school sweetheart, Johnny Arzadon. They recently celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary. She is also survived by her children: Reynaldo Arzadon (wife Exie), Quirino "Jun" Arzadon Jr. (wife Patricia), Jhett Epp (husband Franz), and Dr. Joseph Arzadon (wife Cathy). Her grandchildren: Matthew Arzadon (wife Sarah), Yolanda Elias (husband Joseph), Zachary Arzadon (wife Kimberly), Dr. Ashley Arzadon (wife Ashley), Rachel Arzadon (husband Zachary), Dr. Jasmine Arzadon, Alexander Epp, Jonathan Epp, Christopher Arzadon, Robbie Arzadon, and Lauren Arzadon. Her great-grandchildren: Charlotte and Amelia Elias; Nathan and Jacob Arzadon; Sophia and Mason Arzadon. Her sisters: Norma Dumadag and Corazon Perez.
All will forever cherish her memory and carry forward her example of faith, generosity, and cultural pride.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Avelino and Agripina Mercado, and her siblings: Purification Floren, Fely Villaflor, and Dr. Rogelio Mercado. Yolanda also lovingly remembers two of her children, Lourdes and Avelino Arzadon, who passed away in infancy.
Funeral Services • Viewing: July 15–16, 4:00–8:00 PM at Everly Funeral Care, 6161 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA • Memorial Service: July 16, 7:00–8:00 PM at Everly Funeral Care • Funeral Mass: July 17, 10:30 AM at Queen of Apostles Catholic Church, 4329 Sano Street, Alexandria, VA 22312 • Interment: Immediately following the Mass at Columbia Gardens Cemetery, 3411 Arlington Blvd, Arlington, VA • Reception: Following burial at Joe and Cathy's residence, 2510 Moon Drive, Falls Church, VA 22043
If you prefer to make a donation in lieu of flowers To honor Yolanda's legacy of service, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Medical Mission of Mercy USA. Checks may be sent to: 7809 Appledore Ct., Falls Church, VA 22043 or donated online at www.mmomusa.org/donate. Please indicate that your donation is in memory of Yolanda Arzadon