Mary Marvel Cawley

Mary Marvel Cawley

July 23, 1923 – Jan. 8, 2020

Mary passed away as an Alzheimer’s patient that erased all memory that defined her glorious journey on this planet although through it all her spirit continued to shine through.

Her Husband, Jay, died July 31, 2025. She left behind three children, Michael (wife, Georgia), Jan and Timothy (wife, Debra) and one granddaughter, Abigail and countless nieces and nephews. The word LOVE epitomizes her entire life from her birth in Detroit, Michigan, to her final moments in Tabitha Hospice while in Country House in Lincoln, Nebraska.

She loved everyone and never found fault with anyone she met or worked with.

Her work career was as a secretary at Holley Carburetor in Detroit until the birth of her first child, Michael. Being a successful mother and homemaker was not enough to keep her constantly volunteering in Girl Scouts, assisting in training disadvantaged young people to be ready for independent living in the Chicago area, plus a daycare nursery and later as a Hernando Pasco Hospice volunteer in Florida for 29 years. She loved making little greeting and gift cards by the hundreds and giving them away to friends and family. Anyone who knew her felt her love and gave it in return. Life was good — 73 years of marriage, travel to all parts of the world and a cook par excellence. She loved reading, dancing, golf, bowling, tennis, gardening and games of every genre. She was artistic and that manifested in her love of elaborate cake decorating.

Born Mary Marvel Abbott. She is predeceased by her mother, Mary, father, Harry, and many aunts and uncles. Her journey is now over or perhaps has just begun.

A joint memorial for Mary and her husband, Jay, is planned for October 15, 2025 at Immanuel/Grand Lodge. Donations may be made to: Grand Lodge Scholarship Fund (non-profit) or Grand Lodge Employee Appreciation Fund at 4400 S 80th Street, Lincoln NE 68516.

Jay’s obituary can be found here: https://lincolnffc.com/obituaries/jay-cawley