Memorial

Ninon Rodriguez Galvez, 89, passed away on October 7, 2025.  A private family service will be held at a later date.  The family is forever grateful to Dr. Melanie Stahlberg and her team, Hallmar Village staff, and St. Croix Hospice staff for their expertise, compassion, comfort, and kindness shown to both Ninon and her family.  

Survivors include daughter Ninon O’Neil (Tim); daughter Jennifer Lambert (Tim); granddaughter Andrea Hutchinson (Neal), grandsons Hayden Lambert and Parker Lambert; and great-granddaughters Ava Hutchinson and Leah Hutchinson.  She is also survived by sister Teresita Nunez (Aldo), a very special niece Teri Nunez (Chuck) and her children Ryan Edmunds (Tricia) and Tera May (Martha); and a special nephew Aldo Nunez (Lisa) and his children Cammy (Matt), Aldo (Reaah), Alex (Jody), and Catie.  Ninon is also survived by a cousin, Hilda Gomez, who was like a sister, and Hilda’s children Maria (Alicia), Iliana, Gus (Felicia), Vicky (George), and Eddy.  Bonus-children Adrian Jr. (Beth), Daniel (Sheryl), Ana (Todd), and Cynthia (Adrien).  Bonus grandchildren Christa, Aaron, Laura, Callie, Sean, Megan, Mason, Christopher, Jonathan, Erin, Andrew, Adora, Malaki, Jacob, Jalen, and Isaac.  She was preceded in death by her first husband, Adalberto Rodriguez, and second husband, Adriano Galvez.  She always considered herself the luckiest woman on earth to find love with two very kind and caring men.  

Ninon was born in Havana, Cuba, on November 21, 1935.  She moved to the United States in 1961 and then to Cedar Rapids in 1967.  She became a member of St. Pius Catholic Church that same year.  One of the proudest moments of Ninon’s life was when she became an American citizen in 1971.  She loved her adopted country and was thankful for the privilege of becoming a citizen.  Ninon worked for Rockwell from 1967 until 2003.  She enjoyed her time at Rockwell and made many good friends.  A few years after retirement, Ninon decided she didn’t like being idle and became a “Lunch Lady” at Westfield Elementary.  She loved her new job and enjoyed getting to know her “kids”.  Although she loved all her jobs, her most treasured endeavor was caring for her two great-granddaughters, Ava and Leah.  She cared for them from the time granddaughter, Andrea, went back to work from maternity leave until the girls started kindergarten.  Caring for Ava and Leah brought Ninon much happiness and satisfaction, stating many times that it was the best job she ever had.

Ninon was known for her love of family and home, and she approached most things in life with those two priorities in mind. Ninon was a fantastic chef and often hosted huge family get togethers where she would serve her arroz con pollo, frijoles negros, and paella, always preparing extra so the family could take some home to enjoy later.  Sharing meals was her way of showing love, and her home always echoed with lively conversations, vibrant music, and unending laughter.  Ninon’s sense of humor kept the family in stitches and gives them many stories to share.  She was always up for a good laugh and kept the family entertained with her many antics.  She loved tending to her beautiful flower garden and decorating for each season and holiday creating a welcoming and festive home. Ninon, along with Adriano, traveled extensively and enjoyed visiting new places and learning about their cultures.  Although they traveled all over the world, their favorite trips were the ones that included four generations of family. Those trips brought the family together and gave everyone more “abuelita” stories to share. Ninon and Adriano also loved to dance and were frequently the first ones on the dance floor.  They could get any party started with their conga lines and cha chas.  The family will cherish these memories as they remember Ninon in all her glory.  May her memory serve as a reminder to savor the simple pleasures, treasure family and friends, dance often, love wholeheartedly, and never hesitate to help those in need.