Luz Aviles, 1931–2025, “believed in the power of kindness and the beauty of tradition”

Luz M. “MaLuz ” Aviles, of Waltham, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Dec. 2 2025. 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. She was 93.

Born on Dec. 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.

MaLuz 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 and 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.

MaLuz 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; 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 Vasquez, 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.

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