Mrs. Elizabeth “Liz” J. Pristera, 76, a resident of the Pines at Utica Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at Wynn Hospital.

    Elizabeth was born in Utica on October 19, 1949, the daughter of Ernest and Theresa (D’Esopo) Bonville. She was raised in Utica and was a graduate of Utica Catholic Academy. Elizabeth went on to earn her master’s degree from Syracuse University, a reflection of her lifelong dedication to education. In 2000, she was united in marriage to Lawrence A. Pristera. Their loving and devoted union spanned 15 years, until Lawrence’s passing in 2015.

    For 29 years, Elizabeth served as a teacher in the Utica City School District, where she touched the lives of countless students before retiring. She was deeply involved in her community, serving as a board member of the Foothills Girl Scout Council and as a member of the North Utica Kiwanis, the Red Hat Society, and the East Utica Optimist Club.

    Elizabeth was a devout parishioner of Historic Old St. John’s Church in Utica. Her faith was central to her life, and she faithfully served the parish as a lay minister and a member of the parish council.

    Mrs. Pristera is survived by her sister, Juanita (Vito) DeCarlo of Utica; her cherished nieces and nephews, Vito DeCarlo, Jr., John DeCarlo, Fred DeCarlo, Angela DeCarlo, Tricia Bonville, and Kristen Swenszkowski; her great nieces and nephews, Mariah, Dani, Isaiah, Scarlett and Freddy as well as two stepchildren, Barbara Pristera-Polniaszek and Eileen Ann Pristera. Besides her beloved husband Lawrence, Elizabeth was predeceased by two brothers, Paul Bonville and Frederick Bonville.

    Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Elizabeth’s Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Historic Old St. John’s Church, John Street, Utica. She will be laid to rest alongside her parents in Calvary Cemetery, Utica. Calling hours for family and friends will be held on Monday, January 19, 2026, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Heintz Funeral Home, 408 Herkimer Road, North Utica.