J. Irene Caister 82, of Oxford Rd., New Hartford passed away March 14, 2011 at St. Elizabeth Medical Center with her family at her side. Irene was born in Utica, NY on May 15, 1928 the daughter of Arthur and Alice (Brown) Jenkins. She was raised and educated in the Utica school system. On June 21, 1947 at Sacred Heart Church, Utica , Irene was married to Robert Caister. Mr. Caister passed away in 1971. She was a devoted housewife and mother, as well as being employed part-time at the Presbyterian Home in New Hartford. Irene was a member of St. Thomas Church, and its Alter Rosary Society. Irene enjoyed her casual time playing bingo and traveling to the Turning Stone Casino. Irene is survived by 4 daughters and 3 son-inlaws; Jacquelyn and William McCoy of New Hartford, Candace Jama of Norwood, MA, Michelle and Marc Chilton of New Hartford and Sharon and Brian Wadsworth of New Hartford, 2 sons and a daughter in law; Robert Caister Jr. of New Hartford and Richard and Mary Caister of Clinton, 20 grand children; Kelly and Ryan McCoy, Robin Schiebler, Shannon Pratt, Erin Alanazi, Casey McCoy, Heather Rocheleau, Robert S. Caister, Chip and Lindsey Jama, Richard Jr. and Matthew Caister, Kristina, Kayla and Carson Chilton, Tori, Lonnie, Roberto, and Kevin Wadsworth, and Amanda McLaughlin Austin. She also leaves 18 cherished great grandchildren, 2 sisters-in-law, her special dear friend of 70 years; Eleanor Nadeau, and her bingo buddies, and several nieces and nephews. Besides her Parents and husband Bob, Irene was pre-deceased by a grandson, Zachery Joullian, her sister; Virginia Patriarca and 3 brothers; James, Arthur, and Richard Jenkins. The family wishes to express a sincere thankyou to the entire staffs in the ER, ICU, and Special Care at St. Elizabeth's and to Drs. Mathews, Johnson, and Booth for all the care and kindness to Irene and their family. Mrs. Caister's funeral will be held Thursday, March 17, 2011 at 10:15 A.M. at the Heintz Funeral Home, 1517 Whitesboro St., Utica and at 11:00 A.M. at St. Thomas Church, New Hartford where her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Her burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Whitestown, NY. Visitation at the funeral home will be held Wednesday evening (today) from 5 till 8 P.M. Relatives and friends are invited. For those so wishing, donations in Irene's memory would be appreciated to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.