Obituary of Mary Louise Cosentino

Mary Louise (Bradshaw) Cosentino, passed away after an extended illness on Sunday, April 30, 2023.  She was 80 years old.  Mary was born in Cambridge.  She was the daughter of Edwin and Lillian Bradshaw.  She grew up in Cambridge and Somerville.   She was a graduate of Somerville High School and then went on to Boston State where she earned her bachelor’s degree in mathematics.  Computers where something brand new to the world and Mary wanted to be part of its evolution.  There were not many women in the brand-new field and there were no textbooks or college degrees in computers.  It was a learn as you go.  Mary had an analytical mind and delved into becoming a computer programmer.  The first computers she worked with filled huge rooms.  She worked for Inforex, Raytheon, and then as a consultant for a smaller firm.   Mary retired at the age of 70.

Mary married her husband, Tony, in 1974.  They purchased their forever home in Burlington in 1976.  Her immediate and extended family were the center of her life.  Nothing made her happier than being surrounded by them all.  She hosted a family holiday party the week before Christmas every year until 2 years ago.  Her house was filled to the brim with guests and holiday cheer.  She wanted the day to be special for the little ones, so she had Santa pay a visit and have a gift, handpicked by her, for each one of them.  The teenagers received a little cash.  That is just one little example of the thoughtfulness and love that Mary shared with all those she cared for.  Her back yard and pool were the warm weather gathering spot for her children, their friends, and family cookouts.  As a family, they went skiing, played tennis, and loved to travel.  There were trips for the children’s benefit like amusement parks all over the United States and almost a dozen trips to Disney World.  Sometimes it was hard to figure out who was having more fun, the children or Mary.  Then there were trips to Europe visiting England, Paris, Naples, Romes, Pompei, Venice, Florence, and a host of other must-see destinations.  During one of those trips, they arranged to return to the small town of Gela in Sicily.  It was where Tony grew up as a child.  There was a large family reunion and Mary was able to meet Tony’s family and childhood friends. 

Mary was a loving wife, loving and supportive mother, devoted sister, and a very proud grandmother.  She was a “Good Woman” for all the best reasons.  She always placed others first, extended herself, and was kind, charitable, compassionate, confident, adventurous, and loved unconditionally. She will be lovingly remembered.

Mary was the beloved wife of 49 years of Antonio “Tony” Cosentino.  She was the loving mother of John Cosentino of Burlington, Jennifer Cosentino of Burlington, and the late Joseph Cosentino.  She was the stepmother of the late Laura Chambers.  She was the grandmother of Sarah and Samantha Chambers. Mary was predeceased by her siblings, Edward Bradshaw, Robert Bradshaw, John Bradshaw, James Bradshaw, and Carol Evans.  She was also survived by many loving nieces and nephews. 

Funeral services will be private. 

Memorials in Mary’s memory may be made to Smile Train, www.smiletrain.org, 633 Third Avenue, 9th Floor, New York, NY 10017. 

Arrangements by the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, Burlington.