As fans eagerly await the new season of TLC's beloved show Cake Boss, there's no denying the bittersweet emotions surrounding the absence of a key figure in the series: Mary Valastro. For those tuning in, you might be wondering, what happened to Buddy Valastro's mom, the warm and vibrant matriarch who graced the show with her presence? Tragically, Mary passed away on June 22, 2017, at the age of 69 after a courageous eight-year battle with ALS, a disease that slowly but surely stole her motor functions. Let’s take a moment to reflect on her legacy and the impact she had on both the Valastro family and the millions of fans who tuned in week after week.
Even though Mary is no longer with us, her spirit lives on through the series and the lives she touched. In a sneak peek from the Cake Boss season premiere, Buddy pours his heart into crafting a stunning vanilla sponge cake with a luscious strawberry rose filling. The cake is adorned with intricate flowers crafted from frosting, a tribute not just to his culinary skills but to the woman who shaped him into the boss he is today. As Buddy works, he reflects on his mom, sharing heartfelt memories of her lessons on hard work, kindness, and leadership.
“My mom was more than just an amazing woman; she was a force of nature,” Buddy, now 40, reflects with a mixture of pride and nostalgia. “She taught me the importance of giving back, striving to be a good person, and the value of hard work. Carlo’s Bakery wouldn’t be the institution it is today without her influence. My dad may have taught me how to make cakes, but it was my mom who taught me how to run a business—and more importantly, how to lead with heart.”
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As we dive deeper, let’s explore Mary’s life, her diagnosis with ALS, and the incredible strength she displayed in the face of adversity.
ALS Changed Everything, But Not Mary's Spirit
Back in 2011, Mary was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly referred to as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease. This progressive neurological disorder attacks the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to muscle weakness and affecting motor skills. While the exact cause of ALS remains a mystery, what we do know is that there’s no cure, only treatments that can help slow its progression. Despite the grim diagnosis, Mary faced the challenge head-on, embodying the resilience and determination that defined her.
In a heartfelt statement to People magazine in 2012, Buddy revealed the family’s reality with grace and courage: “I can confirm that my mother Mary—the heartbeat of the Valastro family and Mama to all of Carlo’s Bakery—has been diagnosed with ALS. She’s tackling this with the same strength and determination she always shows, and the entire family stands united in this fight. We’d like to thank our fans for their love and prayers; it truly means the world to us.”
View this post on InstagramIt’s with an extremely heavy heart that I must share the news of my mother’s passing. She left for heaven this morning, surrounded by the family. This is a difficult time for all of us and I do ask for your patience and respect while we let this sink in. Her battle with ALS has ended, she is no longer suffering and I hope she’s dancing to “I Will Survive” with my dad right now.
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The Disease Progressed, But Mary’s Presence Never Faded
In the year leading up to her passing, Mary lost all her motor skills, requiring the use of a wheelchair. Yet, her spirit remained unbroken. Even as her physical abilities diminished, she continued to make regular visits to the family-owned Carlo’s Bakery in Hoboken, NJ, using a specially equipped handicapped van. Her presence was a testament to her enduring love for her family and her unwavering dedication to the business she helped build.
Buddy Honors Mary Through Heartfelt Instagram Tributes
Following Mary’s passing, Buddy turned to Instagram to share a glimpse of the emotional farewell. He posted touching photos of the tributes left by family, friends, and fans, capturing the outpouring of love and respect for Mama Valastro. The flagship Carlo’s Bakery in Hoboken was adorned with an array of flowers, including two flower boards bearing the heartfelt messages “#1 Grandma” and “Mama Mary.” Another arrangement was designed to replicate the bakery’s iconic entrance, a tribute that spoke volumes about her impact on the community.
“Hoboken ❤️,” Buddy captioned the side-by-side photos, a simple yet powerful expression of gratitude. Fans responded with heartfelt messages, one noting, “So very sorry for the loss of your mother, she will be your [family’s] angel in heaven,” while another added, “What a beautiful tribute!”
View this post on InstagramLight of our lives.
A Legacy of Love: Mary’s Obituary Celebrates Her Vibrant Life
Mary’s obituary painted a vivid picture of her life and legacy. Originally from Italy, she moved to the U.S. with her family, eventually settling in Hoboken, NJ. It was there, at Carlo’s Bakery, that she met her future husband, Bartolo “Buddy” Valastro Sr., who purchased the bakery in 1964. The couple fell deeply in love, married, and went on to raise five children together. “Most known for her larger-than-life personality, Mary was beloved by many,” her obituary fondly recalled. “Her magnetic energy had the unique ability to bring joy to everyone she encountered. Even after officially retiring in 2010, she continued to visit the bakery, singing with her signature zest and bringing smiles to employees and customers alike.”
Saying Goodbye: Fans Celebrate Mary on Cake Boss
Out of respect for the family, Buddy decided not to allow TLC cameras to film Mary’s funeral. However, he did grant access to the reception, ensuring her memory would live on through the series. “I feel like that’s what she would’ve wanted,” Buddy shared with People. “We want to keep her memory alive. The way I honor my father’s memory, I’ll do the same for my mother.” Through Cake Boss, fans will have the opportunity to celebrate Mary’s life and the indelible mark she left on the Valastro family and beyond.
