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BORN
1933
DIED
2026
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Mary Ciano Obituary
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Mary Ciano, on January 12, 2026. Mary was a longtime resident of Arlington for more than 70 years and was born and raised in Brookline by her mother, Anne (Walsh) Bland.
After graduating from Brookline High School, Mary worked for the Bell Telephone Company as a switchboard operator (yes, there once was such thing). She married the love of her life, Michael, in 1954 and devoted herself to raising their family. Family was everything to Mary, and she loved being a mom, which she considered her favorite job of all. She truly felt that motherhood completed her life. She was high-spirited, headstrong, and full of fun. She was deeply involved in every aspect of her family’s lives, from sewing costumes for school plays to proudly attending every sporting event her loved ones participated in. Mary was always her family’s biggest supporter, making each person feel as though they were the most important person in her world. She loved deeply and immensely, and seeing her children accomplish their dreams brought her great joy and happiness. She also loved hosting large gatherings and holiday meals, and her meatballs were legendary; truly the best you ever tasted.
Mary proudly served as President of the PTA, was the Venerable of the Sons of Italy in Arlington, and generously volunteered her time to causes close to her heart, including creating and delivering holiday baskets to the elderly. Her presence, energy, and love will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Mary was predeceased by her beloved husband of 61 years, Michael J. Ciano, she is survived by her children Michael J. Ciano and his wife Cheryl of Juniper, FL, Steven A. Ciano and his wife Sharon of Waltham, Jody E. Ciano of Hinesburg, VT, Jeffrey J. Ciano and his wife Melissa of Tewksbury. She was the cherished grandmother of Michael, Christin, Kyle, Steven, and Sarah Ciano, and the great-grandmother of Marissa, Jason, Nick, and Cora Ciano, and Chase Currier. She was the sister of the late, Joan Lopez, Elizabeth Hanoyan, Martin Bland, and Nancy Russe. Sister-In-Law of the late Josephine Lambiase and Cosmo Ciano. Mary was the daughter of the late Anne and Martin Bland and Daughter-In-Law of the late Michelina and Gaetano Ciano.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated for Mary at St. Anthony Church, 12 Properzi Way, Somerville, MA, on Saturday morning, January 24th at 10:00. Relatives and friends are invited to attend.
In lieu of flowers, Mary wants you to hug someone special and tell them you love them.
Memories and Condolences
for Mary Ciano
Virginia Ryan
January 25, 2026
Steve, my sincere sympathy for the loss of your mother
Patricia Sullivan
January 22, 2026
We remember her kindness growing up across the street. Our deepest sympathy.
Barbara (Russell) Angelou
And
Patricia (Russell) Sullivan
Kenny & Maggie Melisi &Rockwell
January 20, 2026
So sorry to hear about your mom, just remember good times, and may that help you get through difficult times.
Hilda Assarian
January 18, 2026
Dear Jodi and Family, My heartfelt sympathy in the loss of your mother. I met Mary at Artis when visiting my sister Alice. I grew quite fond of her over the past year. She was full of fun and spunk. She always amazed me with her quick wit and appreciation for the smallest acts of kindness that were shown toward her. May she rest in peace and may her memory be eternal.
My deepest condolences. Hilda Assarian (Alice Papazians sister)
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Steven Ciano
January 17, 2026
If there is one word to describe my mother, it’s fighter. Whether she was fighting with or for her mother, siblings, and kids she never backed away and was always there for us. I will miss our arguments, they were good and we would laugh afterwards. She fought for her life and I will miss her until I see her again.
Love, Steven
Sharon Ciano
January 17, 2026
Thank you Mary for being such a caring and fun Nana. Sarah loved spending time with you and looked forward to your sleepovers.
There was always a funny story to be told about what you and Sarah did. You two had a special relationship. I’m grateful for the memories and love you gave her. You will be missed.
With love - Sharon
Sarah Ciano
January 17, 2026
If you know me, you know my Nana. She was one of the most fierce, loving, and funny people I’ve gotten the gift of knowing. Nana was a woman of many words and I miss hearing all of her stories as she never failed to make me laugh. I’ll never forget all the memories we shared.
One of my favorite memories comes from the summers when I was in middle school. Once a week, Nana and I would walk together to Walgreens. One day, she got tired and asked me to push her while she sat on her walker. As questionable of an idea as that was, we went for it anyway. Just a couple minutes in, we hit a crack in the pavement, and I fell right on top of her while she was still sitting in the walker. While some might not find that funny, Nana and I laughed until we couldn’t breathe.
Without missing a beat, she got right back up, brushed it off, and kept walking to Walgreens like nothing had happened. That was my Nana, strong, resilient, and full of laughter. I will miss her every day.
Denise Wolfson
January 16, 2026
I was a bank teller at Cambridge Savings bank.
I always loved to see Mary walk in the bank and help her with her transactions.
She was special to me and since I retired I did miss her.
Rest in peace my sweet Mary
Denise Wolfson
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Funeral services provided by:
George L Doherty Funeral Service, Inc - Somerville855 Broadway Powder House Square, Somerville, MA 02144