Mary Theresa (Christiano) Dygert

MOHAWK - Mrs. Mary Theresa (Christiano) Dygert, age 99, of Mohawk, New York, went home to the Lord and those she was longing to join, on Friday, October 18, 2024. Her peace filled passing occurred at Little Falls Hospital.

She was born at home, on South Washington Street, in Herkimer, New York, on February 10, 1925, to the late Joseph and Rosa (Maida) Christiano. Mary was raised and educated in the valley. An important memory she wanted to share was that her birthplace was the home of Peter and Maria Concetta Varano Christiano. Eventually graduating from Herkimer High School/Class of 1944, she went on to attend the Utica School of Commerce and subsequently then on to Herkimer County Community College, at the age of 62, graduating in the year 1995.

A loving wife and “like a mother” to many, Mary met her husband William C. “Bill” Dygert and the pair were married on May 11, 1957, at St Anthony's Church, in Herkimer. They met at the Library Bureau and were married for 58 years until Bill's passing in 2015. Always together and happy, the couple complimented one another on every stride they took. Mary and Bill were a beautiful couple and they shared an authentic love. They created a home where each day was lived to its fullest and where lasting memories were made.

Mary and her sister, Jo, possessed a personal relationship with her Lord. Every day, their lives revealed the richness of her faith. She practiced it in the many ways she lived. Mary especially loved her home parish of Blessed Sacrament Church. She constantly supported activities there, always generously giving to support others' needs. She was predeceased by her devoted sister, Josephine, in the year 2021.

Mary lived on Marshall Ave., in Mohawk, for many years, spending later years at Valley Health Services, in Herkimer. The family would like to extend their gratitude to the physicians and nurses at VHS, for their compassionate care. She worked at Sperry Univac in Utica (accounting and accounts payable) and loved writing and poetry and corresponded with her family with very thoughtful and personal letters. Other enjoyable attributes, she loved nice clothes and "fashion." She was co-editor of a bi-monthly newsletter that the Retired Senior Volunteer Program and the Herkimer County Office for the Aging put out, to help local seniors know what was going on in their community. We will attach to the photos section of her obituary some of her writings and photo gifts that her life had to offer.

Surviving Mary, are many beloved extended family members and friends. She was predeceased by her parents, Joseph and Rose; her husband, Bill; her sister, Josephine A. “Jo” Pumilio; an infant brother who lived three days; and for genealogical purposes her maternal and paternal grandparents, Josephine Caliguire Maida and Maria Teresa Servidone Christiano; also, her nieces, Carol Hryb (Pumilio) and Rosann Bartholomew (Pumilio). They were particularly close with Mary and their memories are cherished.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, October 25, 2024, at 10:00 a.m., at Blessed Sacrament Church, East Main Street, in Mohawk, New York, where her Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated. Interment will take place with her husband Bill at Saratoga National Cemetery. There are no calling hours.

All arrangements have been entrusted to her friends at the Enea Family Funeral Home, Enea, Ciaccia & Applegate Funeral Directors, 220 North Washington Street, in Herkimer, New York, next to Adirondack Bank (the former Knights of Columbus which was always near to Mary’s heart). This tribute is viewed online at www.eneafamily.com (315) 866-1011.