Mary F. (Carlisle) Pistolese

Mary F. Carlisle Pistolese, 90, formerly of Black River, went to her maker on July 14, 2025, while living with her daughter Maria Fraser in North Carolina.

Born, the daughter of Flora and Eber “Zeke” Carlisle in the Black River Hospital, she attended Black River School and graduated from Immaculate Heart Academy, Watertown, in 1953. She studied at the Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in Watertown graduating as a registered nurse in 1956. She married Michael A. Pistolese Jr.  Dec. 29, 1956. Mr.  Pistolese died in 2009.

Mrs. Pistolese worked at Mercy Hospital for a short period of time then worked as a private duty nurse for 15 years through both Mercy and the House of the Good Samaritan. Then for eight years, she worked as a charge nurse for Ryan Nursing Home. When the nursing home closed one of the patients requested Mrs. Pistolese continue her care. The patient lived in Mrs. Pistolese ‘s home until her death about 18 months later.

Mrs. Pistolese worked as charge nurse then evening supervisor at Madonna Home at Mercy Hospital for five years. Thereafter she worked part time as a clinical instructor at BOCES supervising licensed practical nurses and certified nurse’s aides for nine years. She then taught for Home Health Caregivers of Buffalo for five years until her retirement in 1997.

She is survived by her children, Teresa Ellingsworth, Michael Pistolese III, and Maria Fraser; grandchildren, Nicole, Megan, Jenna, Shonna, Steven; six great grandchildren and several nephews and nieces especially Elaine Avallone who was very attentive to her needs. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Ann Carlisle.

Besides her husband, Mrs. Pistolese was predeceased by her children Gary Pistolese and Donna Cinanni, her grandson Damian Ellingsworth and her siblings Anne Brigham, William Carlisle, Florence Ashcroft and Wayne Carlisle.  Also, her beloved dog, Donutts, and Kitty Roma.

Mrs. Pistolese enjoyed talking to all people and making friends out of strangers.

Donations may be made to American Heart Association, American Diabetes Association, American Cancer Society or SPCA.

There will be a celebration of life 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9, at Hilton Garden Inn, Watertown.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.