Kizzy Viviana Ruiz Bernardino

With heavy hearts and deep sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved daughter, sister, aunt, and friend, Kizzy Viviana Ruiz Bernardino, who departed this life on April 5, 2025, at Boston Medical Center Menino Pavilion in Boston, Massachusetts. She was 43 years old.

Born on June 27, 1981, in Boston, MA, Kizzy was a radiant light in the lives of all who knew her. She embodied strength, grace, and wisdom beyond her years. A proud Latinx woman of Dominican Republic descent, Kizzy carried her cultural heritage with pride and beauty, weaving it into every part of her identity.

A true scholar at heart, she pursued her passions in Business, Management, and Marketing at the University of Massachusetts Boston. She also had a deep admiration for Asian culture which led her to study in Japan while at UMass. She later earned her Master of Divinity from Torch Trinity Graduate University, reflecting her lifelong devotion to Christ and service to others.

Kizzy's unwavering love for Jesus and her commitment to her spiritual calling shaped the very core of her life's mission. She served in Worship, English and youth ministry overseas, especially in South Korea, where she touched countless lives with her warmth, kindness, and truth. Exploring further in her admiration for Asian culture lived enriching her global perspective and nurturing lasting cross-cultural connections.

Those who knew Kizzy will forever remember her infectious laughter, generous spirit, and remarkable depth of knowledge-from curly hair care and holistic wellness to music, anime, and K-pop dramas. She was a brilliant conversationalist who deeply appreciated Technical Lyricism.

She had exquisite taste, loved quality brands, and carried herself with elegance and authenticity. In her final months, Kizzy found profound joy in cooking for her family, creating nourishing meals that brought the family together. It became one of her greatest acts of love.

She was a fitness enthusiast, a devoted sister, a loving aunt, and a true friend. Throughout her journey, Kizzy demonstrated extraordinary courage and resilience-remaining strong and brave through every challenge she faced, holding steadfast to her faith.

She is survived by her loving mother, Dinorah Bernardino, her kind father, Luis Radhames Ruiz, and her devoted stepfather, Anibal Expedy Ortiz.

She is cherished by her sisters: Jadirah Josefina Ortiz Bernardino and Aura Jakiz Ortiz Franklin, along with her paternal siblings: Patricia Ruiz, Christine Ruiz, Gabriel Vasquez, and Gabriela Vasquez Garcias.

She is preceded in death by her beloved brother, George Ruiz, who passed on August 31, 2023.

She is forever remembered by her beloved nieces, Ja'nyah Aaliyah McIntosh Ortiz and Madalin Franklin, and her adored nephew, Quinn Avery Franklin.

We extend our deepest gratitude to the entire medical team at Boston Medical Center, whose care and compassion brought comfort during Kizzy's final days. We also extend our appreciation to stepmother Yessenia Ruiz for her presence and support in the hospital.

A heartfelt thank you to her soul sister, Kelly Morales; her dear friend Nisha A. Clunes; and her fellow believer and protector, Debora Mukwenda, whose love, presence, and prayers never wavered.

To the village that has gotten us this far into life, we thank you and extend all the gratitude to uplifting us through such a difficult time. Thank you to the aunts, uncles, cousins and extended family near and far.

Kizzy's life was a blessing, her memory a treasure, and her love infections to all she encountered.

She is loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.

“She walked ahead to light the way,

A gentle soul, now free of pain.

Though gone from sight, she’s near each day—

In whispered winds and soft spring rain.

We’ll carry her love, her laugh, her light,

Through every shadow, into bright.”