The Marías frontwoman María Zardoya paid tribute to her late niece and Milania Giudice‘s longtime friend, Victoria Zardoya.
“Rest in peace to my sweet niece, Victoria,” the Grammy nominee, 31, wrote via her Instagram Story on Thursday, July 30. “Heaven gained an angel too soon, but she lives on.”
María added that the following day would be Victoria’s honor walk. (An honor walk is a ceremonial event where doctors, nurses, staff, and family members commemorate a deceased person who chose to donate their organs.)
“She’ll give the gift of life to 8 others,” the singer continued. “As we play music this weekend, she’ll be saving lives and I know she’ll be singing and dancing along with us.”
María included a throwback video of Victoria as she performed The Marías song “No One Noticed.” Victoria rocked a cowboy hat as she strummed a guitar and sang along to her aunt’s track.
“Light a candle and say a prayer for the family and for the families of the recipients. We love you, Victoria,” María concluded.
Earlier this month, Victoria unexpectedly died at age 20 following a fatal accident in Florida. Us previously reported that Victoria sustained a fall while with friends as they explored the historic ruins at Fort Dade on Egmont Key. Victoria’s friends called 911, and she was subsequently hospitalized. She died on July 24 due to her injuries.
The Giudice family — which includes Milania, parents Teresa Giudice and Joe Giudice as well as siblings Gia and Audriana Giudice — were quick to pay their respects to Victoria as she was a childhood friend of the Real Housewives of New Jersey star.
“There are no words for this kind of pain,” Joe, 54, wrote via Instagram on Sunday, July 26, sharing a photo of himself with Milania, 20, and her friends. “Victoria, you were like a daughter to me. I watched you grow up with my daughter Milania. We were neighbors for years, and you became part of our family. I can’t believe you’re gone.”
Victoria’s twin sister, Alexandra Zardoya, broke her silence nearly a week later.
“Victoria, I can’t believe this is real life. Tears are falling down my cheeks as I type every word,” Alexandra, 20, wrote via Instagram on Friday, July 31. “My twin sister, my other half, we were in the womb together, and ever since then we have been inseparable. You are the only person in this world who truly understood every single part of me. You truly were a light in everyone’s life, especially mine. … You were everything and more to me.”
