Christine Cayea, 58, of Lyon Mountain, passed away on September 9th. She was the daughter of the late Floyd and Gerry Cayea.

Christine graduated with high honors from Geneva High School, then attended both SUNY Cortland and the University of New Haven in Connecticut, where she pursued a career as a respected forensic scientist. She worked in Washington, D.C., for the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, where she helped identify unknown soldiers and, through her work, brought answers and solace to their families.

Christine was also a proud member of DMORT (Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Team), responding to natural disasters and helping identify victims. While the work was challenging and emotionally demanding, she approached it with dedication, compassion, and a commitment to helping others. She worked tirelessly, and along the way, many of her teammates became like family to her.

Most recently she was the Building Director of Mount Hope Family Center at the University of Rochester.

Christine, affectionately known as Cis, had a deep love of music of all kinds and especially treasured attending concerts and dancing.

She was incredibly creative and had a natural talent for making a house feel like a home. She loved decorating, creating artwork, giving new life to old furniture through refinishing, and she had an amazing green thumb. Her creativity and love could be seen as well in the thoughtful gifts she would make for family.

Cis was also a talented baker. She delighted in making an impressive array of Christmas cookies every year that looked like they came out of The Great British Bake Off. She reveled in sharing them, creating beautiful arrangements for coworkers, family, and friends.

Cis’s adventurous spirit could be seen in her love of motorcycles and biking. She enjoyed the freedom of the open road and attended numerous rides and HOG-sanctioned rallies, including the legendary Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

She was also a rescuer of many and a lover of all animals. She took the best care of many dogs, cats, and backyard critters. Cis was known to always have mini-milkbones in her pocket just in case she met a dog in her travels.

She is survived by her siblings: Charlene Yasment, Kathy Payne, and James Cayea; her nieces and nephews: Adam Payne, Janelle LaValley, Christine Payne, and Brandon Cayea. She also adored and spoiled her great nephews and nieces: Ethan, Bryanna Madeline, Luna, and Rowan. She left behind many lifetime friends, including: Mary Dawson and Maureen Carter. She is also survived by her latest rescue cat: Squeaker Lee.

A funeral service will be held at Walkers Funeral Home in Plattsburgh on Thursday, September 17th at 5pm. Calling Hours begin at 4pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Elmore SPCA and Clinton County Mental Health.