TEWKSBURY – Mrs. Joyce Louise (Picardo) Salvato, age 64, died peacefully, September 27th, at Mass General Hospital, surrounded by her family, after a courageous ten-year battle with cancer. She was the beloved wife of Paul J. Salvato Jr. Joyce and Paul moved to Tewksbury in 1981 to raise their family and would have celebrated their 38th year of marriage this coming January.
Joyce was born in Revere, one of five children of the late Angelo and Mary (Rappoli) Picardo. Joyce graduated from Revere High School, class of 1973, and later in life earned an Associates Degree from Middlesex Community College.
She recently retired from the Tewksbury Public Library after over 25 years of service.
Joyce enjoyed trips to the White Mountains, and cherished the moments spent in the company of her beloved grandchildren, Jude, Elliot, and Mia.
Besides her husband, she leaves two daughters, Julie Marie Salvato and her husband Ryan Hopkins and their sons, Jude Joseph Hopkins and Elliot William Hopkins all of Harvard, Michelle Salvato Scola and her husband Marc, and their daughter Mia Louise Scola all of Shirley; siblings, Carol Finley of Beverly and her children Adam and Erica, Ronald Picardo of Watertown, Sandra Toomajanian and her husband Russell of IL, and Joanne Fiore and her husband Glenn of Methuen.
Joyce was a caring and compassionate wife, mother, and nana. Always prepared with a special story book or treat for her grandchildren, who adored going to “Nana and Papa’s house” to read and share a snuggle on the couch. Although she was small, her strength was astounding. She never once complained or focused on her illness. She thought only of others and how she could bring joy to their lives. Her positivity humbled those around her and will continue to inspire us all as we move through our lives with her in our hearts. She is so incredibly loved, and will be truly missed by friends and family.
A Memorial Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, October 4th, at 12:00 Noon at St. William’s Church, 1351 Main St. (Rte. 38) Tewksbury. A celebration of Joyce's life will follow at the Tewksbury Country Club, 1880 Main Street (Rte. 38). In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the National Marrow Donor Program (Bethematch.org). tewksburyfuneralhome.com