Mary E. Picanso, age 57, of Wilmington passed away with her loving family by her side on July 15th, following a long and courageous battle with cancer that was diagnosed in 2007. She was the beloved wife and best friend of Gerald L. Picanso; together they shared nearly 33 years of marriage.

Mary was born in Boston, one of five children of the late Daniel and Lillian E. (Rosher) Sullivan. She moved to Wilmington with her family at the age of 12 and has been a resident here ever since. She was a 1971 graduate of Wilmington High School. Mary worked for more than ten years as a head teller for the Stoneham Savings Bank where she made many wonderful friendships over the years. Mary was very devoted to her family and also was passionate about helping people, especially children and their educations. She was a member of the Tewksbury based Families Advocacy for Children’s Education Group and served as member of it's Board of Directors and also as the organizations Chief Financial Officer for 12 years.

Mary had many interests throughout her life. She loved animals, doing different arts and crafts, working in her garden and making jellies and preserves. Her greatest joy came from her family and making sure they had what they needed. She was always putting the needs of others before her own needs and She will be sorely missed by her family and many friends. The family would also like to take this opportunity to thank all of the caregivers of the VNACare Network & Hospice for their professionalism, compassion and support during this most difficult time.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by her children, Pauline McClain of Warren, NH, Joseph Picanso of Wilmington, Mary Ellen Picanso of Gloucester and Christine Picanso of Wilmington. She was the loving grandmother of Frank, Annaliese and Saylor McClain. She was the daughter-in-law of Eleanor Picanso of Wilmington and is further survived by her sister, Donna Potter of Lowell, brothers, Leonard Dezutter of Florida, William Dezutter of Billerica and Daniel Sullivan of Lowell.

Funeral services for Mary will be held from the Dello Russo Funeral Home 374 Main St. Wilmington, Friday, July 22nd, at 9 a.m. followed by a funeral mass celebrated in St. Dorothy Church, Main St., Wilmington, at 10 a.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours at the Dello Russo Funeral Home will be held on Thursday, July 21st, from 4 to 8 p.m. Services will conclude with burial in the family lot at Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington. It has been requested that in lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Mary's memory to the Wilmington Food Pantry, c/o the Wilmington Community Fund, Inc., P.O. Box 147, Wilmington, MA 01887 or VNACare Network & Hospice, 5 Federal St., Danvers, MA 01923