Marie H. "Ria" (Chandler) Chrystie

Mrs. Marie H. “Ria” (Chandler) Chrystie, age 60, of Utica, passed away on Friday, July 14, 2006 at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center with her family by her side. Born in Utica on May 2, 1946, Marie was the daughter of the late Lyle and Rosalie (Filippelli) Chandler. She was raised and educated locally. On February 8, 1964 she married Theodore “Ted” Chrystie with whom she has shared a loving union of 42 years. Ria and Ted were a couple who truly enjoyed and appreciated the many blessings of family life. At one time Mrs. Chrystie worked as an assembler at the General Electric plant on Bleecker St. She also was employed with Chanatry’s on Culver Ave., her family’s business. She enjoyed her position there at the meat counter, especially to see and serve the many patrons. The ever-present smile on Ria’s face was an indication of the love, kindness, and generosity within her heart and spirit. With determination, dedication, and unselfishness, she pursued her foremost priority which was to keep her family together in a home life that provided them with security and happiness. Her door was always open and her house was always “home.” She was deeply proud of her children and grandchildren and of what each one of them became. In return, they loved and respected their “Mom” and “Nonny” with devotion and affection. Ria was especially blessed to have had such close relatinships with her grandchildren. She viewed this as one of her life’s greatest accomplishments. Ria was a woman whose heart was deeply imbued with spiritual faith and whose life was guided by her beliefs. She was a communicant of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. She was known and admired for her culinary skills: in fact, her “chicken and potatoes” was legendary. She loved celebrating the holidays, honoring each one with great enthusiasm. Her special favorite was Christmas Eve when she hosted the traditional dinner at her home. Ria loved all kinds of games, including Bingo, computer games, and game shows on TV. She also enjoyed vacationing in Florida with her sister Rosalie. Ria is survived by her husband, Ted; a son and daughter-in-law, Donald J. and Rowena Chrystie of N. Utica; 3 daughters and sons-in-law, Marie “Tinky” and David Zaniewski, Rosalie and Daniel Siuta, and Cherie and Scott Sait, all of Utica; and her grandchildren, Danielle “Gurtie” Siuta, Theodore “TJ” Chrystie, Craig Siuta, Nicole Chrystie, and Scotty “Squeaker” Sait. Ria also leaves a faithful canine companion, her toy poodle, Oreo, who always provided her with unconditional love. In addition, she was always entertained by Tinky’s canine pets, Pretty and Schultz. Ria’s survivors also include her siblings whom she loved very much: her sisters, Maryellen Gahan of Whitesboro, and Rosalie and Tony DeSantis; and her brothers, Butch Chandler of Deerfield, Lyle “JR” and Carlie Chandler of Nebraska, Sam Chandler of Ilion, and George and Debbie Chandler of Floyd. George had a special place in her heart because of his sincere brotherly love which prompted him to always look out for her. Also surviving are a number of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins; and her in-laws, Virginia and Roy Scott, Lucy Chrystie, Joanne Chrystie, Richard Chrystie, Robert Chrystie, and Roberta “Bobbie” Baron and her husband, Frank. In addition, Ria was blessed with many wonderful friends and neighbors. She was predeceased by a sister-in-law, Nancy Chandler; and a niece, Tina (DeSantis) Ciccolella. The family extends its sincere thanks to Dr. DeTraglia, and to a special group of caregivers who attended Marie with concern, compassion, and professionalism, namely the personnel of the Oncology and Special Care Units, especially Craig, at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center. Visitation will be held today (Tuesday) from 4-8 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Mrs. Chrystie’s funeral will commence on Wednesday morning at 10:30 from the funeral home and at 11:30 from St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish located at Mt. Carmel Church. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Marie H. "Ria" (Chandler) Chrystie

May 2, 1946 - July 14, 2006