Published May 31, 2019
MELROSE — Martha R. Cusolito (Mallard), 85, longtime Melrose resident, passed away on Tuesday, May 21, 2019 at The Residence at Melrose Station with her family by her side.
Born September 6, 1933, Martha is one of four children of the late Joseph and Ruth (MacPhee) Mallard. She grew up in West Medford, and graduated from Medford High in 1952. As a child, Martha developed a love of music, playing the clarinet in the school band. She carried that love of music with her into adulthood.
Martha met, and later married, John M. Cusolito on May 7, 1955. They would settle in Melrose in 1959 to raise their family.
Above all, Martha loved being a mother and grandmother. Time spent with her children and grandchildren was treasured, and many memories were made over the years. Her home was a hub of activity through the years as her children were growing up. She was an accomplished seamstress and also enjoyed taking the time to knit hats, mittens and scarves for the kids.
Martha also believed strongly in community involvement and volunteering. She loved her work as an activity director for a number of nursing homes and was a Girl Scout and Brownie leader for many years. She taught CCD classes at Most Blessed Sacrament Church, where she also served as a Eucharistic Minister and President of the Woman’s Guild. Giving of herself as a mother and volunteer brought immense fulfillment throughout her life.
Her love of music that she developed as a child never left her. Martha was proud to sing in the Choir at Most Blessed Sacrament. Even as the years went on, she would sing along whenever she heard a familiar song. She also enjoyed baking, reading, dancing with her beloved John, and spending summers in Harwich Port.
Martha has left her fingerprint on much in this life from her years of being a wife, mother, grandmother and volunteer. Her humor, love of family, and her singing will be deeply missed by all.
Martha was the beloved wife of the late John M. Cusolito with whom she shared 59 years of marriage. Loving mother of John M. Cusolito and his wife Doreen of Wenham, Sheila M. Cusolito and her husband Daniel Vellom of Sudbury, Paul J. Cusolito and his wife Lisa of Melrose, and Peter C. Cusolito of Leicester. Dear sister of Georgeanne Wallace of North Carolina, the late William Mallard and his surviving wife Joan, and the late John Mallard and his surviving wife Mary. Cherished Grammie of Lillian, Caroline, Michael, Kentrahvey, John, Jonathan, Christopher, and Matthew. Also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends gathered in honor of Martha’s life during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Friday, May 24 and again on Saturday before leaving in procession to Most Blessed Sacrament Church, 1155 Main St., Wakefield for her funeral Mass. Interment in Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose.
Gifts in Martha’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 309 Waverley Oaks Rd, Waltham, MA 02452. For online tribute or directions: RobinsonFuneralHome.com
