Mary J. Cain, 93, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on June 3rd, 2026, at home.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, June 9th, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Rd with a wake service to be held at 3:45 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, at St. Columbkille Catholic Church with Rev. Robert Gross officiating. Burial will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery.

Mary was born on June 25, 1932, in Dubuque, Iowa, the daughter of Herbert and Ellen (Dixon) Chapman. She graduated from Dubuque Senior High School. She married John P. Cain on May 10, 1954, at St. Raphael Cathedral. He preceded her in death on December 13, 1997.

Mary worked at the former Dubuque Packing Company as a secretary for several years before dedicating herself full-time to raising her eight children.

Mary was a devoted mother and grandmother, lovingly known as “G’ma” to her family. Each of her grandchildren liked to believe they were her favorite, a reflection of the warmth and care she shared so freely. She was a steady source of comfort, guidance, and compassion, and many considered her a second mother.

She was also known for her wonderful cooking and generous hospitality. Friends and family loved to stop by, especially in the summertime, and Sundays were especially memorable for Mary’s fried chicken and dumpling soup.

Mary was a truly special woman whose kindness, love, and presence left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her. She is an angel walking among us.

She is survived by her children: Catherine (Dominic “Mick) Simon, Paul (Melinda Titus) Cain, Mick Cain, John (Deb Hobbs) Cain, Doug (Maggie Wagner) Cain, and Lori Cain. Grandchildren: Sarah Cain, McConnell Warner, Justin Cooper, Melissa (Jason) DeVries, Valorie (Karl) Johnson, Kerry (Daniel) Cooper Tangerie, Kenneth “KJ” (Kara) Cain, Kurt Cain, Catherine “Kitty” Cain, Tammy (Travis) Weeks, Nichole Hartwick, Jen Thill, and Sam Hartwick along with many great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband John “Johnny Cakes” sons Kenneth and Dale, daughter-in-law Tammy Hartwick and grandson Joshua Cooper.

In lieu of flowers and gifts memorials may be made to Hospice of Dubuque in Mary’s name.

The family would like to extends a special thank you to Dr. A. Wiasky and all the staff at Medical Associates, Hospice of Dubuque, and all the wonderful and caring nurses and aids for their compassionate care of Mom.