NORDQUIST Maria M. (Silva) “Melanie” Longtime resident of Brookline, passed away on June 22, 2026. Beloved wife of the late Lawrence Norman Nordquist. Devoted mother of Lawrence Christian Nordquist and his wife Laurenne of Norwood, Gregory Jose Nordquist and his wife Shannon of HI., and Alexandra Nordquist and her partner Michael LaManna of HI. Loving grandmother of DKN., Gabrielle Nordquist, Michaela Sickles, and Danielle Sickles. Sister of Lori Lake, Jane Tomeo, and Joseph Silva. Also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Melanie was born in the Azores Portugal, and moved to the US when she was about six. She grew up in Somerville and graduated with a Business Degree from Burdette College. Melanie then married Lawrence “Larry” from Cape Cod and moved to Brookline where she has had her home for 53 years. Melanie worked for more than forty years in various roles with Architectural firms, first within Larry’s company, and then as an administrative assistant to the president of a large local firm. She worked her way to vice president at the firm and president of the property management division of the same company. She traveled extensively both with family and by herself to foreign destinations out of a sense of curiosity and love for adventure. She was an avid reader and often read multiple books at once. Melanie always loved to entertain, setting a nice table and being the life of the party. She used to dress with care in designer clothes, get her hair and nails done frequently and generally presented herself elegantly. Melanie was fiercely loving and generous when it came to family.
Visiting hours will be held at the P.E. Murray - F.J. Higgins, George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home 2000 Centre St. West Roxbury on Wednesday, July 1st from 4-7pm. Relatives and friends kindly invited. A private burial will be held at Walnut Hill Cemetery, Brookline on Thursday, July 2nd at 12 noon. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Maria’s memory to Brain Aneurysm Foundation 269 Hanover St. Hanover, MA 02339, The Brain Aneurysm Foundation The Brain Aneurysm Foundation