Mary E. Ciano

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.