Mary was a graduate of Clemons High School and Mercy School of Nursing in Iowa City. Mary had a passion for serving others. She was a nurse at the Marshalltown Hospital for 50+ years, primarily serving as the night supervisor. She also served the community as a First Responder both officially and unofficially. Following her “retirement,” she cared for her husband until his death in 2013, just after their 57th anniversary. She then continued serving Marshall County as a Hospice volunteer until the time of her death. In 2008, she was honored as one of the state’s top 100 nurses. The Hospice and Palliative Care Association of Iowa recognized her with the Honored Volunteer Award in 2018.

In addition to her service as a caregiver, Mary was a leader in Sacred Heart Church in St. Anthony and St. Joseph’s Church in State Center, serving as a Sacristan and Eucharistic Minister. She also ran the Community Cupboard and was the chairperson of funeral dinners. Mary was honored by the Catholic Diocese of Dubuque in October of 2019 with the “Our Lady of Good Counsel Award for spirituality, leadership and service.”

Mary’s first love was her family. She and Richard raised six daughters who were all very active in school and the community. She did not miss a parent-teacher conference, a ball game, a concert or any other activity. That love for family continued with grandchildren and great grandchildren. She is survived by her six daughters: Kathy (Randy) Randall, of Melbourne, Jennifer (John) Worley, of Ames, Sue (Steve) Gradoville, of Boone, Cheryl (Kevin) Halterman, of Indianola, Rachel (Don) Robinson, of Ankeny, and Pam (Jake) Sigmund, of Mitchellville. She is also survived by 17 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren; her brother Ted (Joanne) Lyons, brother-in-law Mike (RuthAnn) Bartine and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, extended family and numerous friends. She was greeted in Heaven by her husband Richard (Dick), her sister Martha (George) Nowlan, her grandson Paul Gradoville and her parents.

Mary is remembered as a servant leader and as an Angel on earth. She would continually put others before herself and made sure that everyone felt welcomed and loved.

Services for Mary will begin Sunday, December 1st at 3 pm with a Rosary followed by visitation, 3:30 – 6:30 pm, St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in State Center, Iowa. Prayer service at 6:30 pm. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 am, Monday, December 2nd, St. Joseph’s Church. Funeral luncheon will be held at Lincoln Valley Golf Course following burial at Dunn Cemetery, St. Anthony, Iowa.

Her family encourages all those who knew Mary to continue her legacy of faith, family and service to others. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mary’s name can be made to Iowa River Hospice, St. Joseph’s Parish, St. Jude’s Hospital or the charity of your choice.