Vivian Flores (August 28, 1934 - August 9, 2026)

Vivian Flores of Melrose, formerly of Swansea, MA, passed away peacefully and surrounded by loved ones on August 9, 2026, just a few weeks shy of her 92nd birthday. She is reunited in death with her beloved husband of 48 years, Norbert “Nib” Flores, who passed two years prior.

Loved by so many, Vivian is survived by her daughter, Judy Silvia, son-in-law, Brian Nolan, two grandchildren, Miranda and Kyle Nolan, and brother and sister-in-law Dennis and Terri Martin, as well as several cousins, nieces, nephews, and her lifelong best friend Mary Elizabeth Moniz.

Vivian was born on August 28, 1934 in Fall River, MA, to the late Mary and Manuel Martin. The sole daughter of her family, she grew up alongside her four brothers: Manny Jr., Arthur, Eddie, and Dennis. Vivian built a rewarding career at Aetna Life and Casualty Insurance, working her way up from a key punch operator to a supervisor. She devoted herself to raising her daughter, Judy, giving her a childhood filled with love. Later, she met Nib, and they married in 1976. Together, they built a loving and happy life filled with many cherished memories. She resided happily with Nib in Swansea for decades until his passing in 2024, after which she moved to Melrose to live just blocks away from her daughter and her family.

Vivian will be remembered for her resilience, creativity, humor, and loving nature. A habitual fun-seeker, she loved traveling the world with her husband and was always up for a game of cards or trip to the casino. Vivian was extremely lucky, having won two cars and countless other bingo and scratch card winnings throughout her life. She was a skilled singer, writer, seamstress, and chef, enjoyed dancing, and was strong in her faith.

She loved so many things so deeply: New England sports teams, (especially the Celtics) listening to music, bingo, spending time with her daughter’s kitties, puzzles, and reading. But above all else, Vivian adored spending time with her family, who were the undisputed center of her world. Of all her accomplishments in life, her proudest were being a mother and grandmother.

Vivian retained her quick wit and playful nature until the very end — complaining about a recent Celtics trade, checking on the Red Sox score, asking about Caitlin Clark, and teasing her Yankees-sympathizing EMT driver. True to her long life, Vivian spent her final hours smiling, laughing, and showing great care for those closest to her.

A private celebration of life will be held in September for close family and friends. In lieu of flowers, please consider giving to your local animal shelter or the Boston Celtics Shamrock Foundation in memory of Vivian.