Luz M. "MaLuz" Aviles

MaLuz passed away peacefully at the age of 93. In the days and weeks leading up to her passing, she was blessed by the many family members and friends that spent time with her. Born on December 12, 1931 in Corozal, Puerto Rico, MaLuz came to Waltham, MA in 1958.

MaLuz was one of 16 children born to the late Florencio Zayas and Maria Elias Berrios and was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 42 years, Marcelino Aviles.

She is survived by her brother Fernando Zayas and sister Confesora Alvarez as well as her four loving children Iluminada (Lucy) Laflamme (Ronald), Elsie Cichocki (Stephen), Jose (Ray) Aviles (Maria Elena), and Damaris Aviles, and her eight grandchildren Jesus Manuel Diaz (deceased), William Diaz, Lisa Wise, Rafael Torres, Jose Antonio Vazquez, Kimberly Dorrance, Cassandra Falone, and Natasha Sarkisian. In addition, she had many great and great-great grandchildren, numerous relatives, and friends. They all carry forward her legacy of compassion and grace.

She lived a life marked by faith, dignity, and devotion to family. Known for her boundless hospitality and unwavering kindness, she turned her house into a haven - a place where everyone felt seen, nourished, and embraced. Her presence was gentle yet profound, and her love was felt in every gesture.

Known for her signature hats, MaLuz carried herself with grace and purpose. Whether it was a Sunday church hat or a simple wool cap in winter, her hats became a reflection of her mood, her style, her soul. They were more than accessories.

She embodied her Puerto Rican heritage with her gift for making people feel at home, whether they were lifelong friends or strangers passing through. Her door was always open and her spirit always ready to receive. To be in her presence was to be wrapped in comfort. She believed that true wealth was found in connection - in laughter shared over coffee, in stories told, and in the quiet presence of friendship. Her home was more than walls and windows; it was a sanctuary of belonging.

She offered comfort without words, strength without force, and love without condition. Her hands were seldom idle as her heart was always open to family or friends in need. She believed in the power of kindness and the beauty of tradition. Her memory lives on in the hearts and in the lives of all she touched.

A viewing will be held in The Mary Catherine Chapel of Brasco and Sons Memorial Chapels, 773 Moody Street in Waltham, MA from 6-9 pm on Monday, December 8, 2025. Funeral liturgy will be held at St Mary Church, 145 School Street, Waltham, MA on the following day at 9 am with interment to follow at Mt Feake Cemetery, 203 Prospect Street, Waltham, MA.

Donations can be made to the Miriam Boyd Parlin Hospice Residence in Wayland, MA through their website at https://gscommunitycare.org/Donate. Designate the Parlin House in your donation with Luz Aviles as the Tribute Gift.

For those who wish to pay their final respects but are unable to attend, please be sure to sign the guestbook at www.BrascoFuneralhome.com.

Her hats may rest, but her spirit continues to shine-forever crowned in love.

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