Obituary of Mary "May" Christiano

Mary "May" Christiano, a woman with a loving heart, strong faith, and unending devotion to her family passed away at her home with her loving daughters by her bedside on Monday morning, April 6, 2020.  She was 91 years old.  Mary was born in Boston.  She was one of four children born to David and Rose Minichiello.  Mary, being the oldest child, had a lot of responsibility in her sibling’s upbringing.  Her father owned a cobbler shop in Everett.  Her mother would assist him at work and would leave Mary to manage the home in her absence.  Mary also would light the stove and sweep the floor in her father’s cobbler shop. She was a graduate of Brandeis Vocational High School in Boston where she learned to become a seamstress. Her maturity and devotion and protection of her family continued all through out her lifetime.  She simply placed those she loved first.

Mary worked as a seamstress and stitcher until becoming a mother.  She worked at the upscale clothing store called I. J. Fox in a clerical position, then at a clothing manufacturing company at the age of 16 where she made her brother’s First Communion suit.  She then went to work at a custom slipcover company. She gave her working days up at the time of her birth of her first child.  Then it was time to put all her energy into caring for her family’s needs.  Her seamstress skills were always put to good use.  She made many of her own and her daughter’s dresses and outfits as well as doll clothes. She also enjoyed knitting and crocheting.  She would make afghans for the St. Margaret Church Christmas Bazaars and an endless supply of blankets, scarfs, hats, and mittens for family and friends. 

Mary created a warm and loving home for her family.  She was a wonderful cook and she could cook a wide variety of styles and recipes. Her gravy and meatballs were her family’s most requested dishes.  Her children would arrive home from school and there were always heavenly aromas emanating from her kitchen.  She worked hard to keep a strong bond with her children, grandchildren, siblings, and nieces and nephews.  Sunday afternoon dinners rotated from house to house.  During the summer months, there were always large family cook outs.  She would spend days and days preparing for holiday gatherings and family celebrations.  She was a very supportive wife to her husband, Ralph.  Many of their vacations included a reunion with his Naval shipmates from the USS Baltimore.  It was important to him, so it was important to Mary.  She was a loving and supportive mother to her daughters as they grew up and a friend and confidante to them when they became adults.  She loved becoming a “Nana” and cherished every single moment she shared with her grandchildren.  She was a longtime member of the St. Margaret Church parish family.  She sat in the same row at the 7:30 a.m. Sunday mass for over 60 years.  She helped with church events including the bazaars and First Communion breakfasts.  The last years of her life were filled with declining health and limited eyesight, but Mary never seemed to complain.  Her daughters were always at her side making sure she was never alone and always well cared for.  They had a great teacher in Mary.  Mary will be deeply missed by all her family and friends, but they are comforted that she will be reunited with her beloved Ralph once again. Mary’s 90^th birthday last year was celebrated with family and many dear friends at the Chateau Restaurant in Waltham.

Mary was the beloved wife of the late Ralph P. Christiano. She was the loving mother of Carol A. Salerno & her husband Michael of Watertown and Gale M. Christiano of Burlington. She was the loving Nana of David M. Salerno & his wife Tonya of Medford and Kristen M. Pezzano & her husband David of Brighton. She was the devoted sister of Rose G. Puleo of Burlington, Lena Cronis of Quincy, and the late Modestino D. “Tino” Minichiello. Sister-in-law of Cathy Minichiello of Burlington, Joan Christiano of Carver, the late Anthony Puleo, Anthony Cronis, and Francis Christiano. She was also survived by her grand pets, Magellan and Chloe, many nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews, and many dear friends.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated in St. Margaret Church, 111 Winn St., Burlington on Saturday, June 13th at 10 a.m.   In lieu of flowers, memorials in Mary’s name may be made to St. Margaret Church, 111 Winn St., Burlington, MA 01803. For obituary, online guestbook and tribute video see www.sullivanfuneralhome.net.  Arrangements by the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, Burlington.