Mary E. Cain

Mary Ellen (Hensen) Cain, age 60, of Lancaster, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 15, 2014, with her family at her side. Mary was born on January 20, 1954, the daughter of Wilfred and Angeline (Ballweg) Hensen, in Madison. She, along with her eight siblings, grew up on their family farm near Middleton. Mary graduated from Middleton High School in 1972, went on to earn her LPN from Madison Area Technical College in Madison, and a nursing degree from Northeast Iowa Community College in Peosta, IA. She married her best friend, Gerald Jerry Cain, on September 9, 1978.

Mary enjoyed playing and winning card and board games, taking short road trips, taking walks in her power wheelchair, seeing movies and spending time with her family and friends. She was very active in her younger years and together with her husband Jerry, they liked to bike, hike, walk, play softball, cross-country ski and take vacations, especially in the mountains and near water. Mary was very active with her church, participating in daily Mass, Catholic Daughters, Council of Catholic Women, bible study and was always proud to share her faith with others. Mary always knew how to make others laugh and had a special way with people.

Mary is survived by her devoted husband, Jerry, daughter Emily (Celestino) Ruffini, a grandson due in April, siblings Sister Angeline Hensen, LaVerne (Jean) Hensen, Sharon (Jim) Bannan, Nancy (John) Laubmeier, Marlene Witt, Wilfred Jr. (Kim) Hensen, Jim (Sue) Hensen, a brother-in-law Phil Troia, special friend Marcia Hampton, as well as many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, a daughter, Colleen, a sister, Darlene Troia, her mother and father-in-law Elaine and George Cain, and a niece, Anna Bannan.

Mary was a fighter and a role model for many. She adored her husband and valued their time together, especially as her primary caretaker. Their devotion to one another was undeniable and there is no greater love between a husband and wife than that of Mary and Jerry. Mary was incredibly proud of her daughter and son-in-law and she eagerly anticipated the arrival of her first grandson in April. She will forever be his special guardian angel.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Wednesday, February 19, 2014, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Clement Catholic Church, Lancaster, with Fr. John Sasse officiating. Burial was in St. Clement Cemetery, Lancaster. Visitation was held on Tuesday, February 18, 2014, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at St. Clement Catholic Church and on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until time of services at the church. Schwartz Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting the family.

Marys family and friends would like to thank Fr. John Sasse, Fr. Herbert Schmidt, Bill Manthe, Dr. Robert Stader, Grant County Health Department, Grant Regional Health Center, Lancaster Care Center and Marys additional caretakers for their dedication and compassion.