Mary E. Caister, 70, of New Hartford, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at the Siegenthaler Center in New Hartford, surrounded by the love of her family.

Mary was born in Utica on October 5, 1955, the daughter of the late Aubrey and Catherine (Morrison) Dawes. She was raised in the Clinton area, graduated from Clinton High School (’73), and went on to earn her nursing degree from SUNY Morrisville.

Mary devoted her life to caring for others through a distinguished nursing career spanning nearly five decades. She began her career in the maternity department at St. Elizabeth Medical Center, where she worked for 18 years. She then served as an RN Case Manager with Utica National Insurance Group for 20 years and concluded her nursing career at Faxton-St. Luke's Hospital (now MVHS), returning to the maternity department where she worked for 10 years until her retirement. Throughout her career and in life, she touched countless lives with her compassion, dedication, and professionalism.

On June 5, 1982, Mary married the love of her life, Richard K. “Dick” Caister, at St. Thomas Church in New Hartford. Together, they shared 44 wonderful years of marriage, raising two sons, welcoming two beloved grandchildren, and building a life grounded in faith, family, friendship, and unwavering support for one another.

A member of St. Mary’s Church in Clinton and later, Mary, Mother of Our Savior Parish in Utica, Mary found great joy in her faith. She was also a member of the Skenandoa Golf Club in Clinton, where she picked up golf later in life (or what she called “golf”). Mary loved playing cards, especially Liverpool Rummy with her family and anybody that wanted to learn. Mary had a gift for turning ordinary moments into memorable ones. She loved to laugh and enjoy life, but she was even more passionate about making sure everyone else was having a good time. If there was a party, a card game, a family gathering, or a night out with friends, Mary was often the one making it happen. She rarely put herself first, finding her greatest fulfillment in caring for and bringing joy to others. She enjoyed being the social butterfly, going to concerts, out to dinner and spending time with family and the many friends she made throughout her life. Her favorite vacation spot was Carolina Beach, NC spending time with her 6 great nieces and walks on the beach with her husband. She especially cherished her Wednesday night "girls club" at Symeon's and maintained close friendships with many of the nurses she worked alongside over the years.

Mary is survived by her beloved husband, Richard “Dick” Caister; her sons, Richard Caister Jr. of Delhi, New York, and Matthew Caister and his wife, Ashley, of Huntsville, Alabama; and her cherished grandchildren, Monty and Maggie Caister, who brought her immeasurable joy and laughter.

She is also survived by her sisters, Cynthia (Ron) Goss of DeBary, Florida, Glenda (George) Siller of Staten Island, Patricia (Dennis) Berger of Leland, North Carolina, and Laurie (Butch) Calhoun of New Hartford; her brother, Boy (Linda) Dawes of Moore, South Carolina; her sisters-in-law, Jacquelyn McCoy of New Hartford, Candace Jama of Norwood, Massachusetts, Michelle (Marc) Chilton of Clinton, and Sharon (Brian) Wadsworth of New Hartford; as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins, great-nieces, great-nephews and extended family.

Mary had a special place in her heart for her great-nieces, many of whom affectionately referred to her as their "third grandma."

She was predeceased by her parents, Aubrey and Catherine Dawes; her brother, Guy Dawes; and her brother-in-law, Robert R. Caister.

Family and friends are invited to call on Friday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the R.P. Heintz Funeral Home, 10 East Park Row, Clinton, NY 13323. The Rosary will be recited at 3:45 p.m. prior to visitation.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 13, at Mary, Mother of Our Savior Parish  (Our Lady of the Lourdes Church), 2222 Genesee Street, Utica, NY 13502.

The Nurses Honor Guard will begin Mass with a special Nightingale tribute to Mary.

Interment will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, Clinton.

Mary's kindness, gentle spirit, vibrant personality, and unwavering dedication to her family, friends, and patients will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.

To leave a condolence online, go to: rpheintzfsi.com

Memorial contributions in Mary's memory can be made out to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation at t2t.org