Mary Joanne Gonzales

Mary Joanne (Salardino) Gonzales, a resident of Watertown, passed away unexpectedly at home on Friday, March 3, 2023. She was 70.

Mary Jo was born in Florence, Colorado on January 4, 1953, the daughter of the late George and Angelina (Nails) Salardino. Raised in Pueblo, Colorado, Mary Jo graduated from the University of Colorado. She relocated to Massachusetts in 1983, eventually settling in Watertown and earning her Master’s degree in Nursing from Simmons College.

A dedicated, attentive, and compassionate Nurse Practitioner, Mary Jo had a special gift that touched countless lives and their families at both the Floating Hospital for Children and Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center for Children. Mary Jo went above and beyond advocating for and investing in the success of her patients' lives. Well respected in her field, she received numerous accolades, awards and recognition, but for Mary Jo, it was all simply for the good of her patients. For many years, she also shared her time as a Preceptor to nursing students, serving as a mentor and role model through her selfless actions.

Mary Jo was a dear and beloved mother, grandmother and sister who set an example for how to live. With strong family values, she was incredibly reliable and a source of subtle strength for her family. She always had an open and welcoming home for her family and friends, and loved all unconditionally. With the addition of her young grandchild, her life was filled with the joys of being a caregiver for the next generation of family. She gave and received immeasurable happiness, laughter, and smiles in her time with her granddaughter, Annie. Always seeking meaningful connections, Mary Jo kept in touch with friends and family in Colorado and new friends in the Boston area.

Mary Jo lived every part of her life for others. She was a special woman with a special gift that touched countless lives and will continue to inspire her family and friends. She will be deeply and sorely missed, but her humble heart, generous spirit and selfless dedication to others will carry on as her legacy. May she rest in peace.

Mary Jo was the devoted and cherished mother of Gregory Gonzales and his wife Erica of Melrose and special “Nonna” to Annie. She was the beloved sister of Michael Salardino of Pueblo, Colorado and the late Robert “Bobby” Salardino. She is also survived by numerous dear friends and colleagues.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to gather during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose, on Sunday, March 12 from 2-5pm, and again on Monday at 9am before leaving in procession to the Church of the Incarnation, 429 Upham St., Melrose, for her Funeral Mass celebrated at 10am. Interment at Lakeside Cemetery, Wakefield. If you wish, gifts in memory of Mary Jo may be made to the Pediatric Hematology Oncology Clinic at Massachusetts General Hospital, online at https://giving.massgeneral.org/donate/ or MGH Development Office, Attn: Keith Erickson, 125 Nashua St., Ste 540, Boston, MA 02114, include “Mary Jo Gonzales " on the memo line.