* Due to the current situation with the Coronavirus, all services are now private.
Mary “Dora” (Buttaro) Sortino, age 93, of Woburn, passed away at home on March 13, 2020, lovingly surrounded by her family after a long battle with cancer and dementia. She was the wife of the late Leonard J. Sortino for 42 years until his death in 1991. Most importantly, she was the leading lady of her loving family.
Born in Cambridge, MA on April 17, 1926, Mary was the daughter of the late John and Jennie (Miele) Buttaro. She was the youngest of 5 siblings and the only daughter. She grew up through the unrest and growth of the years in East Cambridge surrounded by many family and friends who were always nearby.
After graduating from Cambridge High School, she attended Wilfred Academy for hairdressing. She began working at the Penthouse Salon in Boston, MA, where she worked many years until marriage and her new family became her priority. Once her children were in school, she returned to hairdressing and started work at Ricco’s Salon in Woburn, MA for many years. Her spirit of independence shone through once again when Mary had a desire for a career change in the late 1960s and trained as an OR tech. She began working at the Choate Hospital in Woburn and ultimately retired to become her husband’s caregiver.
Mary spent much of her retirement relishing in the company of her grandchildren whom she cared for greatly. She was her family’s cheerleader, supporter, and consoler. She always made sure you had $20 in your wallet and gas in your car (and to be sure no need to tell your mom about it). While she wasn’t a master chef, she always made sure her family was well taken care of with her favorite Italian specialties including her meat sauce. She was an avid baker with a mean apple crisp recipe.
Mary was always on the go and when she grew tired of retirement, she took on a part-time position as an assistant at Salon Estetica in Winchester, MA. She worked there for several years until her health struggles prevented her further. Her time there and relationships built were always a source of memories to chat about.
Prior to her husband’s illness, Leonard and Mary were active in local Winchester Knights of Columbus activities. These included philanthropy and event planning. Most important of these events was the Christmas party for the residents of the Fernald school. Knowing that their own family already had so much made ensuring these disadvantaged kids had a bright holiday season even more important.
Mary loved to travel with her loved ones. She spent countless vacations to Puerto Rico with her late husband and her family at their condo in San Juan. She enjoyed quiet summers at her family’s lake home on Lake Winnipesauke, NH. She also enjoyed cruises to the Caribbean and trips to the most magical place in the world, Walt Disney World. Mary was an avid knitter, she made everything from socks to afghans for her family and friends. Mary was always on the go and always keeping busy. Her family called her “The Energizer Bunny.” She rarely could be stopped when she set her mind to some task. Her determination kept her young and gave her even more years with her family. Even when her cognitive function continued to decline, Mary still found comfort in her family’s loving care, even though she could not always verbalize the words. A smile always came to her face when her great granddaughter was near. Daniella would point and ask for “Nana!” Those years of care through her illness are a testament to the lifetime of love and care she gave to her family.
Mary is lovingly survived by her children: Leonard J. Sortino, Jr. and Judith Altavesta, both of Woburn, MA. She was dear sister of the late Raymond, Salvatore, Joseph, and Claudio Buttaro. Devoted Grandmother of Kimberly Altavesta and Christina (Altavesta) Benoit and her husband Matthew, and Great-Grandmother to Daniella Benoit. Mary is also survived by many nieces and nephews. She is further survived by her grandanimals- her fiercely loyal German shepherd, Heineken, and most recently the addition of Abby and Chimera. The family would also like to recognize the angels from Hospice who provided care with respect and dignity at the end of Mary’s life: Vickie, Judy, chaplains, home health aides, and her loyal personal caregivers: Fredericka and Wilda.
In light of the current precautions with the Coronavirus, the Visiting Hours and Funeral Mass will be strictly private and for immediate family members only. Burial will be at Wildwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mary’s name can be made to the Alzheimer’s Research Foundation, 3152 Little Road, Suite 146, Trinity, Florida 34655.