Mrs. Marieta (Rita) Anne Craska, 86, of Poland, NY, passed away on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at her home with her loving family by her side.

     Marieta was born in Ogdensburg, New York, on January 8, 1940, the daughter of Richard and Irene (Chapin) Wainwright. She was raised locally and graduated from Whitesboro High School before continuing her education at Oneonta State Teachers College. On May 28, 1971, Marieta married Theodore “Ted” D. Craska at St. Joseph’s Church in Herkimer. Their marriage was a loving and devoted union that spanned 41 years, until Ted’s passing in 2012. Marieta dedicated many years of her life to education, working as a teacher at Ilion High School until her retirement. She was the current owner of Lily Quilt Company in Utica. Marieta found great joy in quilting and gardening, hobbies that reflected her creativity and love of home.

     Mrs. Craska is survived by her sisters-in-law, Sue Carol Wainwright of Maryland and Dorothy Atanasoff of North Carolina; her cherished nieces and nephews, Eric (Deanna) Atanasoff of North Carolina, Robert J. Wainwright of Herkimer, Heather (Bill) Seddon of Maryland, and Christopher Wainwright of Maryland; and her adored great-nieces and great nephews, Mia Hamalainen, Sierra Hamalainen, Anastasia Klein, Alyssa Klein, Jayce Atanasoff and Christopher Atanasoff. In addition to her beloved husband, Theodore, and her parents, Richard and Irene, Marieta was predeceased by her brother, Robert Wainwright, and her niece, Erin Hamalainen.

      Visitation for family and friends will be held on Thursday, April 9, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Heintz Funeral Home, 408 Herkimer Road, North Utica. A funeral service will follow at 1:00 p.m. at the conclusion of visitation. Marieta will be laid to rest in Carr Cemetery in Marcy.

     In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a donation in Marieta’s memory are kindly asked to consider the Rescue Mission of Utica, 293 Genesee Street, Utica, NY 13501 (www.uticamission.org). Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.