Amherst – Mary Tarallo, 86, passed away February 6, 2013. Born October 15, 1926, in Lawrence, MA, she was the daughter of Anthony Nardo and Josephine (Lomastro) Nardo.

Mary lived in Valley Stream, Long Island, NY where she raised her family and then worked as an Executive Assistant.  She was proud of being part of the work that built and opened Schnieder Childrens’ Hospital at Long Island Jewish Hospital. In 1991 she retired and moved to Amherst with her husband, Joseph Tarallo, whom she married on December 14, 1948. Joseph passed away on December 28, 2012. Mary was a loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She leaves three daughters and their husbands, Judy and Brian McNamara of Amherst, Jan and Tony Nappo of Westtown, NY, and JoEllen and Jay Falk of Brattleboro, VT; as well as six grandchildren, Kate and Evan McNamara, Anthony and Nick Nappo, and Jessica and Carter Falk. She will be remembered for her graciousness and hospitality, incredible food, and the many hand-quilted and sewn items she leaves behind. She was a loyal and compassionate friend to many throughout her life.  She lived a life where all were welcomed and nourished by her generous spirit. Mary died at home surrounded by her daughters and sons-in-law. She had the opportunity to visit with her cherished grandchildren, her beloved sisters Rose Turton of Burlington and Louise Russo of Wilmington, as well as nieces and a few close friends in the last weeks of her life. She was predeceased by her brother, James Nardo, of Alton Bay, NH. Mary’s family would like to offer their thanks to Marguarite Essis, Nathalie and Haoua, as well as staff at VNA/Hospice, who provided support and care during the final months of her life and enabled her to remain at home where she wanted to be. A funeral service will be held Wednesday, February 13, at 11 a.m. at Douglass Funeral Service, 87 North Pleasant St., Amherst. Burial will follow at Wildwood Cemetery, Amherst. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the VNA and Hospice of Cooley Dickinson Hospital, 168 Industrial Drive, Northampton, MA 01060

Service details, Social networking, Memorial Guestbook and Slideshow are available here.