Balsamo, Yvonne

Yvonne Balsamo of Marco Island, Florida, formerly of Dover, Canton and Dorchester, died peacefully at her daughter’s home on April 3, surrounded by her children. She celebrated her 90th birthday with family and longtime friends this past December.

Her headstone will read: Yvonne Balsamo, 1935-2026. It’s hardly enough to tell her story — the life she led, her quiet strength, her love of family, her generosity, and her caring for so many of the people she knew, as well as the people she never met. One of her lasting legacies and proudest moments was when she donated a smart home to an injured serviceman through the Tunnels to Towers Foundation in Tampa, FL in 2024. She changed the lives of a man and his family that day — a man who proudly served our country.

Yvonne was a founding member of the Balsamo Memorial Charitable Foundation, which provided funds and services for children and the elderly for over 20 years. She continued to provide funding for the Balsamo Family Memorial Scholarship for Canton High School seniors who demonstrated a commitment to community service. Yvonne served for many years as a board member of the Rodman Ride for Kids and supported many other charitable organizations, including the Marilyn Rodman Center for Performing Arts.

In addition, Yvonne was a businesswoman, philanthropist, and held an honorary doctorate degree in the humanities from Stonehill College. She did not view herself as funny, but she had a great sense of humor. She wouldn’t try to dominate a conversation, but she was smart, well-read, and had strong opinions on what she believed in. She had a presence and could light up a room not only with her beauty and style, but with her grace and intellect.

Yvonne was special to all who knew her and cherished her children, Tony Balsamo (Mary), Linda Wirta (Billy), and Vicki Balsamo (Mindy); her seven grandchildren, Anthony Balsamo (Meghan), Vincent Balsamo (Maureen), Nicole Nielsen (John), Paul Wirta, Nina Dion (Nicholas), Jake, and Ellison; and her nine great-grandchildren, whom she beamed about whenever anyone asked: Torey, Kyla, Isabella, Sienna, Presley, Harlow, Cecilia, Maddox and Cade.

She is also survived by her brother, Joseph F. Mollomo, Jr., and his longtime partner, Mary Kreem. In addition, she leaves behind her cherished godchildren, Jeanne Massaro, Angela Balsamo, and Randy Monahan; her in-laws, Deborah Mollomo and Joseph Monahan; and countless cousins, nieces, nephews, and treasured lifelong friends.

She is predeceased by her parents, Dr. Joseph Mollomo and Helen Mollomo; her maternal grandmother, Mary Graziano; her sister, Lucille Wright; and the love of her life, her beloved late husband, Salvatore A. Balsamo.

Yvonne and Sal had a fairytale love story — an unbreakable bond — and both passed on their love of family and family values to their children, as well as to the generations that followed. Sal has been waiting patiently for their reunion. She will now be with him for eternity.

Visiting hours will be held Friday, April 10 (tomorrow) from 4-8 p.m. at the Dockray & Thomas Funeral Home, 455 Washington Street. Funeral Mass on Saturday, April 11, at 11:30 a.m. in St. Oscar Romero Church in Canton. Burial at Canton Corner Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Tunnels to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10306, or to Good Shepherd Community Care, 160 Wells Ave., Newton, MA 02459.

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Posted by Canton Citizen on Apr 9 2026. Filed under Obituaries. Both comments and pings are currently closed.