Mary Cain Obituary

Mary Cain, a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt and friend, passed away peacefully on January 18, 2025, at the age of 81, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Surrounded by her family, Mary’s legacy of love, faith, and resilience will continue to inspire all who knew her.

Born in Templeton, Iowa, on April 18, 1943, Mary was the daughter of Clarence and Mayme Fangman. She grew up on the family farm with her siblings, Carol and Lyle, and graduated from Kuemper Catholic High School in Carroll, Iowa. In 1962, Mary married and became a devoted homemaker, raising her two daughters, Kris and Kelly. After her divorce in 1967, Mary became a trailblazer, working as a family outreach specialist at the Office of Economic Opportunity in Carroll, where she launched the first job corps program for women in the area.

In 1972, Mary met Jim Cain, the love of her life. They married and settled in Norwalk, Iowa, where they built a life together. Mary worked at Norwalk State Bank, General United Insurance, and Farmland Insurance, where she retired after 22 years of dedicated service. While recognized for her work, it was her family that brought her the greatest joy.

A devout Christian, Mary volunteered extensively throughout her life, contributing her time and energy to organizations such as Hospice, the Blood Center of Central Iowa, and the Norwalk Lions Club. She was also a dedicated member of St. John the Apostle Catholic Church, where she volunteered for religious education, retreats, and various fundraising efforts.

Mary had a love for travel, especially spending winters in Mesa, Arizona, with Jim. She cherished her time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, creating lasting memories with each of them.

Mary’s strength, faith, and sense of humor were evident in everything she did. Even in the face of her Alzheimer’s diagnosis, she showed remarkable resilience and grace. She instilled the values of faith, love, humility, and perseverance in her family and all who knew her.

Mary is survived by her daughters, Kelly Low (Mark) and Kris Britt (Larry); her grandchildren, Joshua Fross (Danielle), Jeremy Fross (Jane), Maegen Leach (Adam), Jordyn Hill (Ky), Erik Lindemoen (Taylor), Brandon Britt (Emma) and Jessica Horner (Donnie); and her great-grandchildren, Noah, Lily, Kennedy, Ella, Weston, Reagan, Mila, Killian, Duke, Olivia, Elijah, Charlotte, and Norah. She is also survived by her sister, Carol, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Mayme Fangman; her brother, Lyle, and her beloved husband, Jim, who passed away in 2018.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff at Norwalk Nursing & Rehab and Suncrest Hospice, as well as the many friends and caregivers who offered their support and love during Mary’s final years.

A celebration of Mary’s life will be held at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church in Norwalk, Iowa. The visitation will be held on Thursday, January 23, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. The funeral mass will be celebrated on Friday, January 24, at 10:00 AM, with burial following at Norwalk Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations, which will later be distributed to local charities that were meaningful to Jim and Mary.

Mary’s family finds peace knowing she is now with her Maker, surrounded by the love of those who have gone before her. We will continue to honor her by living lives filled with love, service, and unwavering faith.

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