Doris 'Dot' Calista

Doris (Dion) Calista of Las Cruces, NM joined her husband and son in heaven on March 23, 2022. Born on July 7, 1933, Doris would have been 89 in July. Doris was born and raised in Pawtucket, RI and graduated as valedictorian from St. Cecelia's High School. Doris was married to James Calista on August 9, 1958. "Jim" and "Dot" moved to South Attleboro, Mass. to start a family and to be closer to the several Attleboro elementary schools where Jim served as principal. Although technically not realizing her career goal of becoming a teacher she did so vicariously as Jim's right-hand person assisting him his projects and schoolwork. With Jim off during the summers, the family made frequent trips to the beach and later, in retirement, spent time in Florida continuing their love of the ocean. With Jim's passing in 2005 Doris decided to move to Las Cruces where she developed a large circle of friends in her Trails West community where she lived for 14 years. Doris faithfully attended daily mass at the Basilica of St. Albino's (The Newman Center) where she served as a Eucharistic Minister. Doris is survived by her brother Joseph Dion of Cumberland, RI, her son Jim and his wife Jennifer of Jamison, Pa., her daughter Dr. Carol Calista and her husband the Gregg Tracy and her daughter in law, Sue Calista of South Attleboro, MA. Doris was preceded in death by her husband Jim and her son Jay. In addition, the joy of Doris' life were her 10 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren, all of whom looked forward to the $2 bill they'd receive with their birthday and holiday cards every year. Visitations will be from 5pm-7pm at Getz Funeral Home, 1410 E. Bowman Ave. Las Cruces, NM on Monday, March 28, 2022. The funeral mass will be Saturday, April 23, 2022 at 10:00 at St. Albert the Great Newman Center, 2615 S Solano Dr, Las Cruces, NM 88001 with a reception afterwards….we would love for you to join us in this celebration of life.