Flora L. (Longo) Gilardi, a lifelong resident of Malden, MA, passed away peacefully on June 4, 2023. She was 97 years old.
Flora worked in a clothing store in Malden Square before becoming a
mother. She devoted her life to her husband Lou. On the dance floor, they were amazing, moving as one and commanding everyone’s admiration. Flora had a beautiful voice and loved to sing. Most importantly, Flora was instrumental in shaping the lives of her two sons, Gary, and Michael. Her encouragement, guidance, and innate wisdom allowed them to prosper and fulfill their dreams.
Flora was born in Malden, MA to Nicholas and Rose (Candelora) Longo. Flora was married to the late Louis L. Gilardi. She was the loving mother of Gary Gilardi, his wife Linda of Hanover, and Michael Gilardi, and his wife Karen of Westford. Flora also had five brothers and sisters, the late Jennie Pini, Mary Russo, Peter Longo, John Longo, and Phil Longo. Flora was the cherished grandmother of Brandi Gilardi, Kristina Flanagan and her husband T.J., Jill Buszka and spouse Kirsten, Michael Gilardi Jr, and Leanne Estridge and her husband Sam. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren Alexia, Zackary, Janella, and Caleb Gilardi, Lucas and Max Flanagan, Otto, and Josie Estridge, along with many nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating Flora’s life will be held at the Immaculate Conception Church, 600 Pleasant Street, Malden on Thursday, June 15, 2023, at 10 am. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. The interment will be in Forest Dale Cemetery, Malden.
Contributions in Flora’s memory may be made to the Dementia Society of America at dementiasociety.org.