Mary Ann (Rolchigo) Cavalier

Mrs. Mary Ann (Rolchigo) Cavalier, age 60, of Utica, passed away at her home on New Year's Day, Sunday, January 1, 2006, with her family by her side. Born in Utica on January 10, 1945, Mary Ann was the daughter of the late Steven and Phyllis (Caramadre) Rolchigo. She also knew the love and guidance of Joseph Comito whom she loved and admired as a father. She was raised and educated locally and graduated from Utica Free Academy in 1963. On March 25, 1965 she married Nicholas Cavalier, Jr. Throughout their 40-year union, Mary Ann and Nicholas have formed a truly compatible team, one that was based upon their loving companionship and togetherness. After becoming a licensed beautician through her studies at the Utica School of Beauty Culture, Mary Ann was employed for many years with various local salons. After her cancer diagnosis, she undertook what became one of the greatest accomplishments of her life: she re-educated herself and then accepted an assignment as an Administrative Assistant at the Utica Chapter of the American Red Cross, a position which challenged her abilities and fulfilled her natural desire to assist others. Mary Ann was an exemplary and unselfish mother. She enjoyed her home as a place where she found peace and contentment, and she made it just such a haven for her loved ones as well. She was a courageous woman who met every challenge and obstacle in her life with grace and determination. Gifted with an intuitive and inventive mind, Mary Ann was very successful in solving problems or achieving her goals. Endowed with a spiritual nature and a deeply-rooted faith, she was a communicant of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Church. In her leisure time, she often used her innate artistic abilities in various crafts, especially floral arranging. She also enjoyed knitting and cooking, and she was a longtime and avid fan of the NY Mets. Mrs. Cavalier is survived by her husband, Nicholas, Jr.; a daughter, Phyllis Cavalier of Utica; and two sons, Nicholas Cavalier III, and Joseph Cavalier and Dianne L. Thorp, all of Utica. Her survivors also include a sister, Donna Comito; a brother, Anthony J. Comito; a number of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins; her in-laws, Anthony G. and Linda Cavalier, Catherine and Carmen Caruso, and Eleanor Salerno; and her friends, including Joanne Geraci, her best and most loyal friend, and Joanne's husband, Philip, and Michael Cocco who has shared a longtime friendship with the family. She was predeceased by her in-laws, Nicholas and Frances Cavalier, and John W. Cavaliere. The family extends its sincere gratitude to all the loved ones, friends, medical professionals, and caregivers who assisted Mary Ann during her illness. Visitation will be held today (Wednesday) from 4-7 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. By family request, please omit floral offerings. Mrs. Cavalier's funeral will commence on Thursday morning at 10:30 from the funeral home and at 11:30 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mary Ann (Rolchigo) Cavalier

January 10, 1945 - January 1, 2006