Mary Beth Reising

Mary Beth Reising, age 74, a longtime resident of Forestport, New York and widow of Jack Reising, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 9, 2026, surrounded by her family and those she loved dearly.

Born on July 28, 1951, in Utica, New York, Mary Beth was the beloved daughter of Charles Leslie Christensen and Mary Schrader Christensen. Mary Beth grew up in Utica, where her family were parishioners of St. Frances De Sales Church and Mary Beth received her education at St. Frances DeSales School, graduating with the Class of 1969. When Mary Beth was a teenager, her parents moved to Forestport, where Mary Beth presently had resided for many years. Thereafter she furthered her education at St. Mary’s College, Newburgh, NY, where she graduated with a degree in Education. After teaching school, Mary Beth began her career as a social services investigator at Oneida County Department of Social Services, retiring in 2009, after 32 years of service.

On August 14, 1999, Mary Beth was united in marriage with the love of her life, Jack Reising, by Rev. Sean Patrick O’Brien, at St. Patrick’s Church, Forestport. Afterwards the couple settled at their present home in Forestport. Mr. Reising, a Purple Heart Veteran of the Vietnam War and also a longtime employee of Oneida County, passed away on January 26, 2023.

Mary Beth was a member of St. Patrick’s Church, Forestport, NY.

Above all, Mary Beth cherished her family. She is survived by her sister, Elizabeth Sweet; her four daughters and one son, Jennifer Armstrong (Eric), Jack Jr (Sarah), Kerri Morris (Benjamin), and Dawn Reising (Jeffrey) and Samantha Vanderworken (Charles), as well as her grandchildren Eric, Andrew, Josh, Alyssa, Austin, Makenzy, Julian, Zachery, Abigale, Emily; great grandchildren Buck and Liliana; and nephew John Christensen and niece Kristine Stevenson all of whom brought immense joy to her life. In addition to her parents, Mary Beth was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jack Reising, whom she loved with all her heart, and by her dear brothers, Carl Christensen and William Christensen.

Mary Beth was a member of St. Patrick’s Church, Forestport and she was also deeply committed to supporting America's veterans. She was especially devoted to the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Chapter 490 where she served as Chaplain, and Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 944, inspired in large part by the sacrifice and service of her beloved husband, Jack. She believed that those who had given so much for our nation deserved enduring gratitude, honor, and respect. Through her service and involvement, she faithfully supported veterans and their families, reflecting her lifelong commitment to serving others. Throughout her life, she was known for her compassion, kindness, selflessness, determination, and deep faith. She lived each day with a servant's heart, always putting the needs of others before her own.

Mary Beth also found great joy in exploring her family's ancestry and preserving its history. She treasured discovering the stories of those who came before her and delighted in sharing that heritage with her family, helping future generations appreciate the roots from which they came.

Mary Beth leaves behind a legacy of love, compassion, unwavering faith, and devoted service to her family, friends, and community. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Though our hearts are heavy with loss, we take comfort in the assurance that Earth's loss is Heaven's gain.

A visitation will be held at Trainor Funeral Home, Inc., 143 Schuyler St. Boonville, NY on Tuesday, July 14th from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at 10:00 A.M., at St. Patrick’s church, Forestport, with interment to follow in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Forestport. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Mary Beth's memory to the Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 490 or The Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 944, honoring her lifelong dedication to America's veterans.