Mary (Mariani) Stellato

Mary (Mariani) Stellato of Revere, MA passed away peacefully in the presence of her adoring family on Saturday, May 13, 2023. She was 95 years old. Mary was born on January 25, 1928, the 10th of 12 children raised in East Boston by her late parents, Sabatino Mariani and Carina (DiBennedetto) Mariani (both originally from Pescara, Italy). She was the beloved wife of Alfred Stellato (of East Boston), with whom she held hands in marriage for 47 years, from 1955 until his passing in 2002. Devoted mother of John Stellato and his wife, Julene (Penner) Stellato, and Stephen Stellato and his partner, Vicki Tsarfin, and cherished Nonni to Matthew, Karinn, and Zachary Stellato, she basked in the presence of her children and grandchildren like they were the sun. She is survived by her precious sister, Emily (Mariani) D'Amico, who was her closest friend in life, Emily's daughter Carolyn D'Amico, who was like a daughter to Mary, and numerous other treasured nieces and nephews.

After initially living in East Boston and Tewksbury, Mary and Alfred moved into their Revere home in 1960, where they built their life together and, through adoption, jubilantly welcomed their sons (whom they called their "blessings from God"). They enjoyed hosting family gatherings and backyard barbeques. Thanks to Stephen and Vicki who tenderly cared for her, Mary was able to live out her years in her Revere home until the final few days, which she spent in the beautiful sanctuary of Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers, MA.

Mary's life was about family and her strong faith. Affectionate, loving, and expressive, she never missed a chance to say, "I love you, Darling" and "Thank you, Jesus!" for health and family. She viewed her role as a mother as her greatest achievement. She cherished and believed in her boys beyond words, never judging and always supporting them.

Known for impeccable penmanship, exceptional memory, cutting-edge health regimens, and the colorful names she reserved for inept drivers, Mary marched through her 95 years with joy and stamina, and supported her family members with quiet and unwavering strength. In order to care for younger siblings when her mother was sick, Mary discontinued formal education at the beginning of high school. As a teen and through most of her adult life, she worked factory jobs, making airplane parts for Raytheon during WWII and chocolates at Brigham's, among other roles. Just under five feet tall on her tallest day, Mary was perky, feisty, and hilarious. What she lacked in height, she more than made up for in vivacious spirit. She loved her Bingo nights with friends, which were especially fun on the rare occasions she came home a big winner. Her number one wish for the world was for "more kindness." Mary will be dearly missed by all who loved her.

The family will gather at Puritan Lawn Memorial Park for a graveside service Friday, May 19, 2023 at 11:30AM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mary's memory to Dana Farber Cancer Institute by visiting www.dana-farber.org or calling 1-800-52-JIMMY.

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