Maria Tardanico, 79, of Norwood and formerly a longtime resident of Jamaica Plain, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 18, 2026, at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, surrounded by her devoted husband, her devoted and loving daughter, and the family and friends who loved her deeply. She was the beloved wife of Calogero Tardanico, with whom she shared a lifetime of love, strength, and devotion.

Born in Sicily, Italy, Maria was one of five children and the cherished only daughter of the late Giuseppe Anzaldi and Mariacatena LaBella. She was raised and educated in Sicily before immigrating to the United States in search of a better life and brighter future for her family. She eventually settled in Jamaica Plain, where she built a warm and welcoming home and became part of a close-knit community she loved dearly.

Maria had a gentle soul, a generous heart, and a natural gift for making everyone around her feel cared for. Her love for children led her to work at Nazareth Day Care in Jamaica Plain, where she treated every child with patience, kindness, and affection. To so many families, she was more than a caregiver — she was a source of comfort, warmth, and love.

Nothing brought Maria more joy than caring for the people she loved. She expressed her love through her cooking, baking, and endless acts of generosity. Her kitchen was the heart of her home, always filled with the comforting aromas of homemade meals, fresh baked treats, laughter, and family gatherings. She treasured every moment spent with her children and grandchildren, who were the center of her world and the greatest joy of her life.

Maria will forever be remembered for her warmth, compassion, and selfless nature. She had a beautiful way of making people feel welcomed, loved, and never alone. She was the kind of woman who gave without hesitation, listened without judgment, and loved with her whole heart. Her strength, grace, and unconditional love will remain with all who knew her.

Maria is survived by her loving daughter, Cynthia Pizzano and her husband, Salvatore Pizzano. The bond Maria and Cynthia shared was one of deep unconditional love, devotion, and friendship — they were truly everything to one another. Maria’s greatest joy and proudest role in life was being a mother and grandmother. She adored her three cherished grandchildren, Charles Joseph Pizzano, Mateo Salvatore Pizzano, and Lena Maria Pizzano, who brought endless happiness, laughter, and love into her life. She is also survived by her brothers, Felice Anzaldi and Calogero Anzaldi, along with many nieces, nephews, and extended family members who will forever carry her memory in their hearts.

In addition to her parents, Maria was predeceased by her beloved son, Joseph Tardanico, whose passing broke her heart and whom she loved deeply every day of her life. She was also predeceased by her brothers, Giuseppe Anzaldi and Salvatore Anzaldi.

Visitation services provided by Kraw-Kornack Funeral Home, 1248 Washington St., Norwood, MA. A Funeral Mass was celebrated at the Saint Theresa of Avila Parish, 2078 Centre St., West Roxbury, MA.

Maria will be entombed in St. Michael Cemetery, Roslindale.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Maria’s name to the Lewy Body Dementia Association directly at: thttps://lbda.org/donate