Florence Marie (Melioli) Chardavoyne 

March 7, 1958 – December 1, 2025

Sadly, our beloved Florence (“Flo”) Marie Chardavoyne of Melbourne, Florida passed away peacefully at home on December 1, 2025 at the age of 67 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Flo was born on March 7, 1958 in Queens, New York. She was the daughter of Raymond and Mary Melioli. She spent most of her childhood in Long Island, forming family bonds that remained deeply important to her throughout her life, especially with her grandmother Veronica Melioli. At the age of 17, Flo was diagnosed with lupus. Despite a difficult prognosis, she managed the disease with remarkable strength, resilience, and determination for the rest of her life.

After graduating from Baldwin High School, Flo worked various jobs, but her true calling was caring for others. Whether looking after children professionally or tending to the needs of family and friends, nurturing people came naturally to her.

On July 13, 1990, Flo married Robert (Rob) Chardavoyne and together they built a life together for almost the next 35 years. Flo became a steady and loving presence in the lives of Rob’s children, Bill, Cher, and Linda, and later in the lives of their grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In the summer of 2003, Flo and Rob relocated to Melbourne, Florida to be closer to their growing family. Florida became home, but a piece of Flo’s heart always remained in New York. She cherished every opportunity to travel back to see family and lifelong friends. No matter the distance, Flo shared an especially close bond with her sister Judy, and the two spoke multiple times each day throughout their lives.

Flo was widely known for her incredible cooking, especially her Italian dishes. Her meatballs were legendary among family and friends, and many of her cherished recipes were passed down from her mother and grandmother. She embodied the spirit of a true Italian Nonna, always worried there might not be enough food and always preparing enough for an army. Every Christmas she lovingly baked six to eight types of cookies from scratch with the children in the family, creating traditions and memories that will be treasured for generations. She deeply loved her grandchildren and treasured every moment spent with them.

Those who knew Flo also knew how much she loved to travel, especially cruising. Despite the challenges her health sometimes presented, she never allowed it to stop her from experiencing the world. Over the years she explored much of Europe, with Greece and Italy among her favorite destinations. She had a special fondness for cruises and slot machines and was often planning the next trip before the current one had even ended.

Flo found joy in life’s simple pleasures including prosecco, dark chocolate, good food, and making memories with all of her “kids.” One of her favorite quiet habits was twirling her husband’s hair while relaxing together. She also enjoyed calligraphy, knitting, beading, and meticulous crafts. Flo had beautiful penmanship and a special talent for doodling. She loved collecting miniatures and beautiful glass ornaments for her Christmas trees. She was quite particular about decorating those trees, however, and even after more than 30 years of marriage her husband never quite mastered her exact standards.

During their years in Florida, Rob and Flo’s home became a gathering place for holidays and celebrations. In the neighborhood it became especially known as the “Halloween house.” Flo was not particularly fond of the spooky decorations, but she loved the joy it brought Rob and the neighborhood children. Handing out candy and watching the excitement each Halloween became one of the many traditions that made their home special. The family plans to continue that tradition in their memory.

In March 2024, Flo was diagnosed with lung cancer. She faced her illness with the same quiet bravery and resilience that defined her entire life. Throughout her fight she leaned on the love and support of her devoted husband and her large extended family. Sadly, Rob passed away suddenly in February 2025 after nearly 35 years of marriage. A piece of Flo’s heart went with him, and her health continued to decline in the months that followed.

Just days before her passing, Flo was able to celebrate one final Christmas with her family. Although the calendar said November, inside the house it felt exactly like Christmas. Her grandchildren prepared an Italian meal while family members decorated and organized her favorite holiday game, the Saran Wrap ball. The Florida family gathered together in Rob and Flo’s home one last time, singing Flo’s favorite Christmas song, Dominick the Donkey, while sharing food, laughter, and love. Flo spent time with each person individually, sharing quiet goodbyes before retiring to rest.

Flo was predeceased by her beloved husband Rob, her father Raymond, her mother Mary, and her brother Raymond.

She is survived by her sisters Judy Dembrowski, her stepchildren Bill, Linda, and Cher, her Aunt Paula Ranallo, her cousin Christopher Ranallo, her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and many extended family members and friends whose lives she touched. For Flo, family was never defined by blood alone. If she loved you, you were family.

Flo is deeply missed, but will always be remembered for her kindness, generosity, strength, and the countless quiet ways she cared for others. Her legacy lives on in the family she nurtured, the traditions she created, and the love she gave so freely.

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