In Memoriam 🙏 Norma S. Devera
July 26, 1939 - May 16, 2026
🌹 Cabrini Alumni 🌹
Worked on the 15th Floor
Norma S. Devera, aged 86, passed away peacefully on May 16, 2026. A dedicated registered nurse, she spent her life in service to others, notably at Cabrini Medical Center in Manhattan for decades until her retirement.
Norma was born on July 26, 1939, in Dagupan City, Philippines, where she answered an early calling to nursing. Her training would become the
foundation of a life devoted to caring for others. In 1966, she made the courageous journey to the United States on a working visa as a
registered nurse, beginning her American chapter in Chicago, where she served until 1968.
In 1972, she settled in New York City and joined the staff of Cabrini Hospital - later known as Cabrini Medical Center - a Manhattan institution founded in 1892 by Mother Frances Xavier Cabrini.
Like the saint whose name the hospital carried, Norma poured herself into the care of the vulnerable, serving generations of New Yorkers near Gramercy Park until her retirement in the 1990s. Her calling was never a job; it was a ministry of compassion.
She was married to Dr. Fernando Devera, a psychiatrist from her native Philippines, who preceded her in death.
Norma's generosity reached far beyond the walls of any hospital. Quietly, and without seeking recognition, she sponsored and supported countless young people in the Philippines and South America, helping them pursue the education and careers they could not otherwise have afforded. Many lives - many entire families - are different today because of her. She believed deeply that lifting another person up was the highest form of prayer.
She is lovingly remembered by her younger brother, Genaro Signo, and his wife Julita Signo; her first nephew Art Signo and his wife Lourdes Signo, along with their three sons and their wives - Bryan, Richard, and Jared Signo; her second nephew Genaro Signo and his wife Deborah Signo, along with their three sons - Chris, Michael, and Justin Signo; and her
nephew Henry Signo, his wife Dr. Victoria Le, daughter Julie Anderson and her husband. She also leaves behind an extended family of friends,
former patients, godchildren, and beneficiaries across continents - every one of them touched by her kindness.
The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers, doctors, nurses, and loved ones who walked beside Norma throughout her life and in her final season with the same tenderness she so freely gave to others.
Norma's life was a testament to a simple, radiant truth: that faith expressed through love and service is the most enduring legacy a person can leave.
Service Information
As shown in the Order of Service, her final services are scheduled for Friday, May 29, 2026:
- Visitation: 8:00 am – 10:00 am at Scarpaci Funeral Home, 6389 Amboy Rd, Staten Island, NY.
- Catholic Mass: 11:00 am – 12:00 pm at Our Lady Star of the Sea, 5411 Amboy Rd, Staten Island, NY.
- Burial Service: 12:30 pm – 1:00 pm at Resurrection Cemetery, 361 Sharrott Ave, Staten Island, NY.
- Repast Lunch: 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm at Umi Hotpot Sushi and Seafood Buffet.
