In loving memory of
Gladys Maria Villasante (nee Borges Mello)

• January 30, 1938
• -
• February 05, 2023

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Ms. Gladys Maria Villasante, (nee Borges Mello), 85, a resident of Estero, passed peacefully in the comfort of her residence on Sunday, February 5^th, 2023.

Born on Sunday, January 30, 1938 in Montevideo, Uruguay, she was the daughter of the late Anatildo and Herosilda (Morales) Borges Mello.  She was educated in the Uruguayan school system; and furthered her formal education toward her vocation by receiving her Bachelor of Science in nursing in Montevideo.

Following her immigration to the United States, she attended Columbia University in New York City, where she furthered her education by attaining her master’s degree in nursing.

Later, after retiring from a fulfilling nursing career in the United States, she returned to Montevideo, Uruguay; where she contributed to the development of the School of Nursing for the Universidad de la Republica, thus establishing the first-ever public university-level nursing program in the country.   She was beloved in both her adopted states of New Jersey and Florida, where she loved being surrounded by her family.  Above all else, Gladys Maria Villasante Borges Mello is best remembered for being a loving, devoted mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend to all those who knew and loved her in this life.  Her healing and loving presence will be greatly missed.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Anamari Bulatovic and her husband Mladen of Estero; Alexandra Villasante and her husband Timothy O’Donnell of Yardley, Pennsylvania; Grandchildren, including Marcelo and Sophie Bulatovic of Estero; Rowan and Lyra O’Donnell of Yardley, PA; Brother, Carlos Borges Mello of Montevideo, Uruguay; Lifelong friends, Armando Villasante of Estero, FL and Emilio Biasco of Montevideo, Uruguay; countless former patients and dear friends.

Per her previous request, funeral services will be held privately and at the convenience of the family.  The East Colonial location of Baldwin Brothers Funeral and Cremation Society is honored to care for Gladys Maria Villasante Borges Mello and her family at this time.  Those wishing to leave a word of comfort or a fond memory are encouraged to do so on her memorial page.