Mary Jane Cate

Mary Jane Kaptain was born on July 20, 1945 in Elgin, Illinois.  She was the fourth child born to Louis and Ruth Kaptain.  When Mary was 14 her parents moved the family to Prescott, Arizona and eventually to Denver, Colorado where she graduated from East High School in 1963.  When Mary was 17 she met her future husband, T. Allen Cate.  They dated for approximately a year before Mary moved to Phoenix, Arizona to attend beauty school.  After graduating beauty school, Mary moved back to Denver.  Mary and Allen were married August 26, 1965 and made their home in Denver for many years.

Mary and Allen welcomed their son, Randy, in 1968 and their daughter, Rachel, in 1969.  They remained in Denver while raising their children.  In 1994 they moved to New Mexico, where they planned to enjoy their retirement years in the warmer climate.  For many years, Mary volunteered at the local battered women’s shelter and received recognition for her efforts in fundraising that resulted in two new homes for the shelter.  She enjoyed spending time with her local friends and the many family and friends that visited them in New Mexico.

In 2019 Mary and Allen moved to Rigby, Idaho with their daughter, Rachel.  Their son, Randy, and his family lived in the Idaho Falls, Idaho area.  Mary and Allen were very excited about this move, as they were able to spend a lot of time with their children and grandchildren.  The cold was difficult to get used to, but the time spent with family meant everything in the world to them both.

Mary is survived by her husband, Al; son Randy (Jennifer) of Idaho Fall; daughter Rachel Thomas of Rigby; two grandsons, Dalton (Tiera) of Shelley and Brodie (Rylie) of Idaho Falls; two brothers, Chuck (Carol) Kaptain and Bob (Paulette) Kaptain; and sister Lynda (Paul) Soteriades.  She was preceded in death by her parents and sisters Marcia and Judy.

The family would like to give special thanks to Janell at Aspen Home Health and Hospice.

No services will be held at this time.  In lieu of flowers, please support your favorite charity.  Condolences may be sent to the family online at eckersellfuneralhome@gmail.com.