In Loving Memory of Vivian Medina

Vivian Medina, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend, passed away at the age of 62 peacefully at her home on October 4, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born on March 7, 1964, in Manhattan, New York, Vivian was the daughter of Carmen Serra and Jose Acevedo, who immigrated from Puerto Rico. Raised in Brooklyn, Vivian grew up deeply rooted in her Puerto Rican heritage and surrounded by a large, close-knit family and community where family, culture, and tradition were at the heart of everything.

Vivian spent most of her life in New York City before living eight years in Woodbridge, Virginia, and eventually making Brandon, Florida, her home for the next 21 years.

Family was the center of Vivian’s world. Nothing brought her more happiness than spending time with her family, especially her husband, children and grandchildren. She loved family game nights, bowling, poker, bingo, trips to the casino, and, above all, cooking for the people she loved.

If Vivian was known for anything, it was her cooking. There wasn’t a person who tasted her food who didn’t love it. During the holidays, her home was filled with family, freestyle and salsa music, laughter, and the unmistakable aromas of her delicious pernil, coquito, and flan. Her cooking was more than food—it was one of the many ways Vivian showed her love, and those traditions will live on through her family.

Throughout her life, Vivian held several professions, but one of her most rewarding was her career as a Financial Counselor at Tampa General Hospital, where she dedicated 20 years to helping others. It was also there that she met her best friend, Stacie Dampier, forming a friendship that became a treasured part of her life.

Vivian had a special ability to make anyone around her feel like family, as though they had known her for years. Vivian was unfiltered and honest. She was dependable and incredibly capable—the person others could count on to be on top of things and handle whatever needed to be done. Nothing was ever a bother or a burden when it came to helping someone she loved. Those who knew Vivian will remember her kind heart, warm smile, contagious laugh, generous spirit, strength, humor, and the way she made people feel genuinely loved and welcomed.

For five years, Vivian courageously battled melanoma cancer. Throughout her journey, she demonstrated extraordinary strength, determination, and resilience. Although cancer became a difficult part of her story, it never defined who she was. She continued to love, laugh, encourage others, and create precious memories with her family until the very end.

Vivian is survived by her parents, Carmen Serra and Jose Acevedo; her husband, David Medina Sr.; her children, Amanda Medina, Krystle Quinarelli, David Medina Jr.; her son in law, Junior Quinarelli; and her beloved grandchildren, Ian Hodnett Jr., Ariyah Hodnett, Summer Quinarelli, and Hazel Quinarelli.

She is also survived by her brothers, Domingo Medina, Samuel Medina, and Jose Acevedo, along with their wives; her nieces and nephews; and her many aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family members, and friends who loved her dearly.

Vivian will be remembered not simply for the years she lived, but for the tremendous amount of love she gave during those years. Her laughter, recipes, traditions, strength, and the countless memories she created will continue through the generations of her family.

While our hearts are broken by her passing, we are forever grateful for the life she shared with us. We will treasure every conversation, every laugh, every meal around the table, every family gathering, and every moment we were blessed to have with her.

She may no longer be physically beside us, but her love will remain a part of us forever.

Vivian will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.

Celebration of Life

Vivian’s funeral services will be held on Friday October 9th, beginning with a viewing at 10:30 a.m. at Brandon Cremation & Funeral Services, followed by a 1:30 p.m. Mass at Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Seffner, Florida.

Burial will follow at 3:00 p.m. at Hillsboro Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, the family graciously asks those wishing to support the family to consider contributing toward Vivian’s funeral expenses.

Zelle: Krystle Medina — 813-765-3171
Cash App: $krystlemedina1
Venmo: @Krystle-Medina-1