Viva Chin

Viva Chin went home to the Lord on Wednesday, September 1, 2021 at the age of 101. She is survived by her sister Ceta Chung, her children Victor (Mauleen), Dennis (Marjorie), Hilary, Lorraine (George), Beverly, Jennifer (Bohn), Dolcie, Stephen (Debbie), 18 grandchildren, 34 great grandchildren and one great great grandson. She was preceded in death by her daughter Velta, son Eddeson, her sister Cynthia, brother Ting Sang and grandson David. Viva was born in St. Ann, Jamaica to Ashue Lyn and Ethel Linton. She was married to Lipton HoSang (deceased) and later to Charles Young Chin (deceased). She was a “shopkeeper” in Jamaica, where she extended kindness to everyone that entered. In the 1960’s she migrated from Jamaica to the United States, opening the doors for many new opportunities for herself and her family. She lived in New York, Virginia Beach, and Miami. While in New York, she worked at the Long Island Jewish Hospital for over 20 years in Geriatric Nursing. She was very proud that she was presented with a special citation award for being an excellent caregiver. She later moved to Miami where she lived until her passing.

Viva Chin, also lovingly known as "Mama" to many, had a heart of gold. Her greatest joy and pride was her family. "Viva" means 'life'. She truly brought life, love and joy into the hearts of her family and everyone she met. A strong yet gentle, kind soul, she knew what she wanted and what she didn't want. She always had a keen eye for detail, fine taste and appreciation for beauty around her. Her unique perspective on life always drew people to her. Mama loved to tell stories and she would tell them with such detail, vitality and a splash of humor. She certainly knew how to 'give joke'. Mama had an artistic talent from her younger years, which was reawakened in her later years through adult "coloring", where she demonstrated a renewed talent and joy through her creative expression. This was one of her interests that kept her active for many years. She loved good food, beautiful flowers and was ready for any outing with the family. She made sure she stayed connected, as she was up-to-date with anything new with open arms. Imagine all she has witnessed and experienced! She showed grace through hula, tai chi, even some yoga; had her own smartphone and was even on social media. She wouldn't let anything stop her. She had an inner strength to overcome anything she had to face. Even in the hardest of times, she would find a way to bring light in the situation.

Every family gathering was extra special because Mama was there. She was the glue, the weave and the root to our large family tree that brought us all together and has made us all so proud of the Matriarch she will always be. Mama was very observant and knew everything about what was happening, like an undercover detective. She was always sure to get the latest news in the family and often the one to spread it fast. She appreciated every moment she got to spend with her family and would often reminisce through talking with others, collecting photos and savoring the cards she received. Her memories were treasured. She had a unique and special connection with each of her children, her grandchildren and always looked forward to seeing the great grandchildren growing up. She was blessed to have almost her entire family present at her big 100th birthday party, which filled her heart with such joy. If Mama had it her way she would be with us for another 100 years, however the call came and she knew she had to answer. Surrounded by her family and love in her home just as she wanted it. Thank you Mama for your love.

101 years sounds like a long time, however for us, it seems ever too short as she will be greatly missed by all the lives she touched. Mama, you are the light and the vitality that runs through our family, leaving a legacy of pure love for us to treasure all the days of our lives. Fly free beautiful Mama. May the grace of heaven celebrate your welcome into everlasting peace.

You touched our hearts ever so fully.
Your smile reminds us to live with joy.
Your eyes reminds us to see all the blessings in front of us.
Your memories are forever woven into our family tree.
Your wisdom leaves an honorable legacy for us to treasure.
Your love, eternal and true, will remain with us always...
Our beloved Mother and Grandmother has left us a legacy of love, beauty, kindness and grace. She is the definition of Family.
She was regal – the queen and matriarch of our family.
Always in our hearts...'walk good Mama'.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, September 10, 2021 at St. Louis Catholic Church, 7270 SW 120th Street, Pinecrest, Florida 33156.

Viewing is at 11:30 a.m. followed by the Funeral Mass at 12:30 p.m.

A livestream of the Funeral Mass can be viewed by clicking the link: www.stlcatholic.org/live-feed

 Entombment immediately after Mass at Our Lady of Mercy Cemetery, 11411 NW 25th Street, Miami, Florida 33172.

Please send a tribute in Memory of Viva for the Family:
Tribute for Viva Chin | Stanfill Funeral Home

In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations be made to Mustard Seed Communities at mustardseed.com/vivachin or by check payable to Mustard Seed Communities noting that it is a gift in honor of Viva Chin and mailed to: Mustard Seed Communities, 29 Janes Avenue, Medfield, MA 02052.