Adelaida Cortez Quiniones

Adelaida Cortez Quiniones, PhD

Adelaida Cortez Quiniones, a beloved mentor, teacher, and dean, passed away peacefully at her home in Roseland, New Jersey on January 4, 2024.  Born on January 30, 1933, in Tondo, Manila, Adelaida was a woman of exceptional intellect and dedication.

Adelaida’s academic journey was marked by incredible achievement. She earned her undergraduate degree (B.S. in Zoology) at the University of the Philippines (Diliman), Masters in Entomology at Iowa State University (Ames, Iowa), and PhD in Entomology at the University of the Philippines (Los Baños).  Her legacy as a prolific researcher resonated in various universities in the Philippines, where she left an indelible mark on the academic landscape.

After an illustrious academic career, she came to New Jersey to manage her daughter’s ophthalmology practice and to spend time with her grandchildren. A loving “Lola” to her grandchildren, Adelaida immersed herself in their lives, leaving an enduring impact and sense of dedication in each of them.

Adelaida was a devoted wife of 50 years to Sebastian Quiniones Sr. PhD who predeceased her on September 13, 2005. She leaves behind a rich legacy as a cherished mother to Ligaya Prystowsky (Kish Solanki), Sebastian Quiniones Jr (Amor Quiniones), Blesilda Ellis (Duggan Ellis), and Gil Quiniones (Paula Kieffer), grandmother to Brian (Ellen), Jeffrey (Leni), Alisha (Andy), Jenna, Victor (Emelia), Marcelle, Brenda, and Sela, and great grandmother to Sal, Simon, Athena Isabelle, Shalom, and Neshama. She was predeceased by her grandson Neil and granddaughter Isabel.

Adelaida’s enduring spirit lives on in the hearts of her family and friends. She is fondly remembered by her older sister Emerenciana Baronia (92 yrs), as well as nephews, nieces, and extended family members.

A celebration of Adelaida’s remarkable life will be held on January 27, 2024 at the Biondi Funeral Home, 540 Franklin Avenue, Nutley, NJ, from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM.  A memorial service will also be held at the Union Church of Manila, Makati City Philippines from 3-4:30 pm on 20 January 2024. 

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Adelaida’s memory to the charity of your choice or any organization that reflects her values.

Adelaida Cortez Quiniones will be remembered for her strength, dedication, and enduring love. Her wisdom lives on in all the lives that she touched. May she rest in eternal peace.

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