Published March 19, 2021
CAMBRIDGE— It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear mother, Mary Melanson, age 86, after a courageous battle with cancer.
She was born on Dec 11, 1934 and raised in Cambridge MA to the late Melchiore and Carmela (Blanda) Saladino. Along with her siblings, she began working at an early age in her parent’s Cambridge store, The Tremont Market. This is where her strong work ethic began that lasted her entire life which she passed on to her children. She was one tough cookie with a gigantic heart. A loving, devoted, protective and supportive mother, we are grateful that she instilled in us, her children, to be strong, kind, honest and independent.
She enjoyed family gatherings, trips to N.H., luncheons with her sister and nieces in Quincy, her daily check-ins with her Lenny and Linda, catching up with her grandkids and their families, giving thoughtful gifts, playing cards, doing word searches, dancing (back in the day) and cooking for loved ones. A wonderful cook, family holidays always included her famous lasagna with sliced hard-boiled eggs. In tribute to her, this family favorite was prepared by loving hands and enjoyed at a private gathering held in her memory.
Mary was the loving mother of Linda Gelormini of Littleton; Leonard Melanson of Middleton, N.H.; Sharon Wood of Farmington, N.H.; and the late Joseph Melanson. She was the proud nana of Lenora, Paul, Jennifer, Anthony, baby David, Joseph, Cassandra, Ryan, Kory, Dave, Nicole and Cameron; and great grandmother of Adam, Luke and Allison. She is survived by her sister, Anna Ricardo of Melrose, M.A.; her brother Melchiore “Mike” Saladino and his wife Clara of Hudson, MA; her sister in- Law Geraldine Saladino of Webster, MA; daughters in law Debbie and Jeannie and many nieces, nephews and friends. She was predeceased by her brothers Gaspare Saladino, Vincent Saladino, Sister in- law Evelyn Saladino and brother in- law Francis Ricardo.
Private services and interment will be held at the family mausoleum at St. Michaels Cemetery, Boston. Contributions in Mary’s memory may be made to a charity of one’s choice. To sign online guestbook visit www.spadaforafuneral.com
