Mrs. Mary Ellen Race, 76, of Whitesboro, passed away on Wednesday, June 5, 2013 at Faxton-St. Luke's Healthcare in New Hartford. Mary Ellen was born in Utica on October 6, 1936 the daughter of Patrick and Frances (Burns) Daly. She was raised locally, was a graduate of Utica Free Academy and earned her bachelor's degree in Physical Therapy from Ithaca College. On July 29, 1961, Mary Ellen married Herbert J. Race at Blessed Sacrament Church in Utica, a loving and devoted union of 51 years. At one time, she employed as a physical therapist with St. Luke's Hospital, she later assisted her husband as owner and operator of Leach Brothers Plumbing in Yorkville, and until her retirement was employed as a physical therapist with Visiting Nurses Association. Mary Ellen truly loved spending time at her camp on fourth lake where she enjoyed fishing and bird watching. She was also an avid reader and Dallas Cowboys fan, but her greatest joy was spending time with her grandchildren and most recently great grandson. She was a parishioner of St. Paul's Church in Whitesboro. Mrs. Race is survived by her beloved husband, Herbert; four children, Kevin Race and Cindy Nichols of Whitesboro, Corinne Barcomb and John Wiley of N. Utica, Cheryl Allen and Max Becker of NY Mills and Renee Mitsler and Scott Ouimette of Whitesboro; seven cherished grandchildren, Andrew Mitsler, Shane Race, Shannon Guernsey and her husband Shawn, Jared Race, Jordyn Race, Dylan Allen and Dakota Allen; an adored great grandson, Thomas Guernsey; two sisters-in-law, Barbara Daly of Clinton and Barbara Rosinski and her husband Joseph of Florida as well as several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by two brothers, James Daly and John Daly. Mrs. Race's funeral will be held on Friday, (today) June 7, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. at the Heintz Funeral Home, 1517 Whitesboro St., Utica. Interment will be held at the convenience of her family. Calling hours for family and friends are Friday (today) from 4:00-7:00 p.m. prior to the service. In lieu of floral offerings, please consider making a donation to St. Jude Children's Hospital in Mary Ellen's memory. Mrs. Race's family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the doctors, nurses and staff at Faxton-St. Luke's Healthcare in New Hartford for the wonderful care and compassion given to Mary Ellen.