Vivian Melendez
10/23/2021
Vivian Melendez of Vernon, NJ passed away on October 23, 2021 after a long illness. She was 74 years old.
Born in Puerto Rico, on April 30, 1947, she was the daughter of Casimiro and Maria (Pacheco) Alicea.
Vivian was a fashion designer for Vanity Fair in Manhattan.
Family letters to Vivian read:
I Adore You Rocky, I know how much you like to hear that, but I don't only write it because you like it. I write it because it makes me warm all over inside to write it to you. I find it hard to understand in my mind what it means to love you after you are deceased, because I still want to comfort and take care of you. My Darling Wife I Do Adore You. Tony
P.S. Please excuse my not mailing this, but I don't know your new address.
Mom, there's so many great memories I have that I don't know where to start. From the Friday's when I would get home from school and we'd have pizza and make a fire ....to the unconditional love and support you had for me no matter how bad I messed up. This is not goodbye just so long for now. You're free from the pain and restraints of this world. And though my heart aches from you no longer being here, I'm truly happy for your new eternal home with Jesus. I Love You Mommy. Love Your Son Lance
Mommy you were an AMAZING, OUTSTANDING, God fearing woman and I couldn't be more blessed to live on in your name! From our night time car rides, family vacations and so much more I will never ever forget Everything we did and Everything you have taught and instilled in me. Our cuddles sessions were by far our favorite time, hence why I held you in my arms and cuddled w/ you till the very end! I know you wouldn't have wanted it any other way! Till we meet again at those pearly gates, I love you Mommy! Love Your Bahbushki
Vivian was spunky, sassy, but most of all, loving. She loved to dance and sing, which often became the highlight of family gatherings. She loved Christmas and inviting family and friends over to our house for the famous midnight feast because we rarely ate earlier than 10pm but it always turned out to be the most awaited yearly fun-filled celebration. She always sacrificed her needs for the good of the family. The pure love she had for her family was apparent in everything that she did. Vivian lived through God and with that, led a beautiful life of love and kindness. Viv will be remembered as a selfless angel who always had a smile even when times were tough. She had a quiet strength which was deep rooted in her faith, never complained and always looked to a better future. Our family will not be the same without her, but the endless memories of her will live on forever. From Debbie & Alex
Vivian is survived by her husband, Antonio “Tony”; son, Lance and his wife, Silvia; daughters, Ellisha and her companion Steve McGovern; and Deborah Hassett; three grandchildren: Alexandria Hassett, Jayden Melendez, and Ila Melendez; sister, Miriam Alicea; several nieces and nephews; and dog Bella. She was predeceased by her parents, brother, Manny Alicea and dog, Ebony.
Visitation will be on Thursday, October 28, 2021 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. with a funeral service at 1:00 p.m. at Lazear-Smith & Vander Plaat Memorial Home, 17 Oakland Avenue, Warwick. Burial will follow the service in Warwick Cemetery, 94 Oakland Avenue, Warwick, NY.
Donations in Vivian's memory may be made to Cure Alzheimer’s Fund, 34 Washington St., Suite 310, Wellesley Hills, MA 02481 or online at https://curealz.org/giving/donate
Calendar of Care
At the time of funeral service we commemorate and reflect on the life
of Vivian Melendez. In the days, weeks and months ahead it will be a
comfort to family of Vivian Melendez to continue to remember a life well lived.
Please select a date on the Calendar of Care to be reminded via email to reach out and continue the caring for family of Vivian.
Please wait...
Please wait...