COOPERSTOWN – Mary Cahill Reitz, 77, of Cooperstown, passed
away peacefully on June 14, 2026, in Hingham, Massachusetts, surrounded by the
love of her family and in the hands of God.
Born to Patrick and Margaret Cahill in New York City on December 23, 1948, Mary
was a true New Yorker and proudly 100% Irish. She carried her heritage with joy
throughout her life, sharing stories, traditions, and a deep love of family
that became the center of her world. Mary was preceded in death by her parents
and her brothers, Thomas and Lawrence Cahill. She is survived by her sisters,
Patricia Holland, Anne Petralito, and Teresa Lively, with whom she shared a
lifelong bond.
Mary was the devoted mother of Elizabeth Reitz, Katherine Anderson, and Mary
Clare Roberts. Of all the roles Mary held throughout her life, none was more
important to her than being a loving mother. She was a cherished mother-in-law
to Alexander Schwall, Jeffrey Anderson, and Dean Roberts, each of whom held a
special place in her heart. Mary is also survived by Kenneth Reitz, with whom
she shared nearly forty years of marriage. She remained grateful for their
love, friendship, and the family they built together.
Mary was brought immense happiness by her beloved grandchildren: Leonhard and
Benjamin Schwall; Abigail, Lucy, and Henry Anderson; and Sammy Roberts. She
delighted in celebrating their many accomplishments, encouraging their dreams,
and reminding each of them how deeply they were loved and how special they are.
Mary graduated from Dominican Academy in Manhattan in 1966, an institution she
held in high regard and where she formed friendships that lasted for six decades.
She received a Bachelor of Arts from the College of Mount Saint Vincent in 1970
and Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Cornell University in 1978, where she
met her “sister” in nursing and life, Ronda Rosman. Mary was a dedicated nurse
who brought tremendous compassion, intelligence, and kindness to countless
patients and families.
Mary was also a talented artist whose creativity reflected the beauty she saw
in the world around her. A lifelong lover of the ocean and sky, she treasured
the summers she spent growing up at Breezy Point and carried that sense of
peace and wonder with her, expressing it through her art. Mary was a devout
Catholic whose faith remained a guiding force until the end of her life. She
found great meaning in her many years of participation and leadership in
women’s Bible studies, forming lasting friendships and continuing this work
into her final chapter, which brought her a deep sense of purpose. She was
known for her wise counsel, steady presence, and ability to find hope even in
difficult circumstances.
Mary treasured her relationships with her many nieces and nephews, forming
especially close bonds with several of them. Even during her final illness,
Mary's focus remained on those she loved. In a sentiment that perfectly
reflected her generous spirit, she expressed gratitude that her illness had
brought her family together. That perspective—selfless, loving, and hopeful—was
quintessentially Mary.
Her family will remember her for her strength, faith, humor, wisdom, and unwavering
devotion to those she loved. While her absence leaves an immeasurable void, the
lessons she taught, the love she shared, and the example she set will continue
to guide her children, grandchildren, family, and friends for generations to
come. May she rest in the peace of Christ and in the loving embrace of those
who have gone before her.
The family welcomes all who knew and loved Mary to join them in honoring and
remembering her life.
Calling hours will be held at Connell, Dow, & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown on Friday, June 19th, from 4-6 PM.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Mary's “Our Lady of the Lake” Roman Catholic Church in Cooperstown on Saturday, June 20th, at 10 AM, with the Very Rev. Michael G. Cambi, pastor officiating.
If one wishes, donations may be made in Mary’s memory to the Pat Roche Hospice
Home, 86 Turkey Hill Lane, Hingham, MA 02043.
Arrangements are under the care and guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.
