Salisbury — MaryAnna Corrao Tardiff, of Salisbury, MA, devoted wife and mother, passed away on Tuesday January 10, 2023, following a brief illness.

She is the daughter of the late Anthony “Tony” Corrao, and Angela (Marraffa) Corrao. She is the sister of the late Ida Corrao.

MaryAnna was raised and educated in Salem Massachusetts, in a large Italian family. She was a graduate of Salem High School in 1974. In 1977, MaryAnna met and later married her husband, Richard J. Tardiff (also of Salem) in 1978.  During that time, she proudly worked several professional jobs including working for the NAACP, and the City of Salem Treasury Department. She also worked on many political campaigns with in the city of Salem. After she and her husband established their family, MaryAnna lovingly devoted herself to supporting and caring for her family as a full-time stay at home mother. Later, she and her husband were the second generation small business owners of Rita’s Party Fare, where she founded Chocolates by MaryAnna, in Salem for many years.

MaryAnna was a devoted Christian, and enjoyed church activities when able to attend. She always put others first, and was always looking out for others. She was devoted to her family and friends, whom she enjoyed spending time with. She enjoyed arts and crafts, and “playing” in her home-based art studio. She loved gardening, spending time outdoors, and playing with her “puppy dog” FaithAnn. She had a zest for life, and a seize the day attitude, everyday reminding her family and friends to always live for today, because tomorrow isn’t guaranteed.

She is survived by her husband of 44 years, Richard J. Tardiff, of Salisbury, daughter Sarah A. Tardiff of Ipswich, son Richard A. Tardiff and his partner Evan McEwing of Fort Lauderdale, FL, and daughter Melissa R. Perry (nee Tardiff) and her husband Cody Perry, of Ipswich. In addition to her immediate family, she leaves behind many friends, extended family members, and cousins, most notably her beloved cousin Grace Ann Spychalski, with whom she was very close, and loved dearly.

A private, celebration of life will be held, and information can be obtained by contacting her children. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Beacon Hospice Care, Portsmouth by clicking here ^[1]

or by mail

Beacon Hospice Care

25 New Hampshire Avenue

Suite 272