Louise M. (D’Orlando) Tartaro, a longtime resident of Medford, died suddenly, but peacefully, on Saturday morning, May 31. She was 93.
Louise was the loving wife of the late Frank A. Tartaro, to whom she was married 63 years until his death in July 1997. She was the devoted mother of Frank Tartaro and his wife, Elizabeth, of Lutz, Fla., Jeanne Lingblom and her husband, Jack, of Woburn, and Leonard Tartaro of Tampa, Fla.
Born in Jamaica Plain, Louise was the daughter of the late Leonard and Concetta (DiBlasi) D’Orlando. She lived in Revere, where she grew up with her brother and five sisters until she married in 1934. Louise and Frank together raised their family on Seventh Street in Medford, where they lived for more than 60 years.
She participated enthusiastically in many social activities and civic causes during her lifetime. In particular, she was an active member of the St. James Guild and worked tirelessly along with other members to raise money to benefit the former St. James Church, where she was a longtime worshiper.
Her support of the Medford community was recognized publicly on several occasions, including twice being named Woman of the Year. In April, in celebration of her 93rd birthday, Medford Mayor Michael McGlynn presented Louise with a silver plate engraved with the city seal, in recognition of her devotion to the city and people of Medford.
She was an active member of the Santa Maria Lodge, the Italian American Women’s Club, the Forever Young club, and in earlier years the Medford Kiwanis, for whom her late husband once served as president.
Louise was an accomplished seamstress who also knitted, crocheted and left behind many beautiful hats, sweaters, blankets, costumes and other clothing held dearly by her family. Louise could also cook or bake up a storm and often did, to the delight of anyone lucky enough to be there.
She love to travel, and did so extensively with family and friends throughout her lifetime. She also loved the theater, particularly musicals, or any other social event that called for glamorous attire, high heels and sparkling jewelry. She brought life, light and laughter wherever she went.
In addition to her children, Louise is survived by 10 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, all of whom adored her.
She is also survived by her sisters Angela Cangiano of Medford, Marguerite Nott of Revere, and Eleanor Fleet and her husband, Ray, of Georgia, her brother-in-law James Guardino of Peabody, and many nieces, nephews and lifelong friends.
In addition to her husband and parents, Louise was preceded in death by her brother Albert D’Orlando, her sisters Rose Baskis and Catherine Guardino, and her brothers-in-law, Lawrence Nott and Manny Cangiano.
Funeral from Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., Medford at 8 a.m. on Thursday, June 5. Funeral Mass at 9 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Church, 600 Pleasant St., Malden, followed by burial at Woodlawn Cemetery in Everett. Visiting hours Wednesday, June 4, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Donations in Louise’s memory may be made to either St. Jude’s Shrine or The Italian Home for Children, 1125 Centre St., Jamaica Plain, MA 02130.