Mary A. (Staron) Pinto, 99, a longtime resident of Sudbury, died peacefully in the comfort of her beloved home on Tuesday, April 16, 2024. She was the wife of the late Carmine Pinto, who died in 1995.

Mary was born on November 6, 1924 in Williamsport, PA, the third of five children of immigrants Stanley and Marianna "Mary" Staron. In 1943, she graduated from high school and went on to work as a secretary at the Avco Jet Engine plant as part of the effort during World War II. At Avco, Mary met the handsome Carmine Pinto, a transplant from Brooklyn, who apparently caught the eye of Mary's co-worker. The co-worker suggested a double date with Mary and her then-boyfriend. The date took place, but Carmine and Mary were more interested in each other than in their dates, and the rest is history. They married in Williamsport on November 25, 1950, in the midst of a storm that flooded the town. Family and guests got to the church by boat.

Marriage to Carmine took Mary away from Williamsport and her family. They settled in Brooklyn, close to Carmine's big Italian family. While in Brooklyn, daughter Anita and son Frank were born. The family relocated briefly to central PA, where Nancy was born. Carmine's work as a civilian with the US Air Force took the family to Chateauroux, France from 1956-1958. There, they developed life-long friendships, traveled, and explored post-WWII Europe. The family returned to the US in style aboard the luxurious SS America, with their fourth child, Mary, in tow.

On their return to the US in 1959, the young family settled in Sudbury, MA. Their fifth child, Catherine "Cathy" was born soon after. Mary and Carmine were a team. In Sudbury, they 'bloomed where they were planted', establishing deep and lasting relationships with neighbors and working tirelessly as volunteers in a variety of organizations. Mary was active in Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, the Women's Club of Sudbury, the Garden Club, and the PEO among other organizations. Mary was an election worker for the Town of Sudbury. Had she still been with us, she would have reminded us to vote this November. Carmine traveled a lot for work and Mary ran the show at home. She encouraged and supported with her energy, time and skills the myriad of activities and life events of her five children and later her grandchildren. Mary also mowed the lawn, sewed matching outfits for her daughters and their dolls, split logs for the wood stove, painted walls, and planted flowers.

Mary was a lifelong learner – very well read and always intellectually curious. She and Carmine joined a number of senior tours and went to see spring baseball in Florida. Mary was widowed in 1995 when her beloved Carmine died. But with the support of family and friends, Mary continued to embrace life. At 85, she traveled out west with her five children to see the Grand Canyon (on her bucket list), Sedona (complete with Red Rock Jeep Tour), Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin West, the diners of Route 66 and of course Vegas. This group made annual pre-Christmas trips to NYC to see the sights and enjoy the holiday atmosphere.

Until the very end, she was marvelously alert and aware of current events. As her mobility diminished, her world did not get smaller. Mary's final years were enriched by the outstanding group of caregivers organized by her primary aide and friend June (her 5th "daughter") and regular visits from wonderful neighbors and friends, and her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all of whom brought new perspectives and stories to her life. Among Mary's most impressive characteristics was her generosity of spirit. She had the ability to listen, to evolve and to accept those around her just as they are.

Mary departed peacefully surrounded by her children, June and her best friend Pat. The family wishes to express gratitude to the Care Dimensions Hospice team for their comfort and support in ensuring Mary's final wishes were fulfilled.

Mary is survived by her sister, Teresa (Staron) Tice of Williamsport, PA, her five children, Anita Tabb (Robert), Frank Pinto (Susan), Nancy Pinto (Errol Patterson), Mary Pinto (Steven Goldstein), Catherine Pinto (Flemming Lund); twelve grandchildren, Ellie Hartsfield, Gregory Goldstein, Katie Tabb, Dalton Patterson, Catherine Pinto, Holly Patterson, Daniel Goldstein, Jackie Tabb, Paul Patterson, Malena Lund, Emily Pinto, and Maya Kirkholt Lund; and seven great-grandchildren, Matthew Masuca, Annabelle Apel, Camila Baiao, Leah Lund, Juliette Baiao, James Kirkholt Lund, and Logan Goldstein.

Family and friends will gather for visiting hours on Sunday, May 5th from 5 to 7 pm in the Dee Funeral Home, 27 Bedford Street, Concord Center. Mary's Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, May 6th at 11 am in Ascension Parish (Our Lady of Fatima Church), 160 Concord Road, Sudbury. Burial will follow at New North Cemetery in Sudbury.

In lieu of flowers, Mary's family invites contributions in her memory to:

World Central Kitchen

Salvation Army

Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Crohn's and Colitis Foundation

Arrangements are entrusted to Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord.