Obituary for Mary Kathleen Carney

Mary Kathleen Carney was born March 19th, 1953, to Audrey (Parle) and Jerry Carney in Fort Worth, Texas. At a young age, Mary moved with her family to Ames, Iowa.  Mary attended St. Cecilia's, Ames Middle School, and Ames High School, and later received a nursing degree from Mount Mercy in Cedar Rapids, IA. Mary began her career in nursing, and throughout her life, assisted in the operations of a Merle Norman Cosmetics in downtown Ames alongside her mother, Audrey. After moving to Las Vegas, NV with her husband, Mary helped open three veterinary clinics, all while being a wonderful full-time mother to her three children: Katie, Nick, and Liz.

Mary returned to Ames with her children after the passing of her father, and Ames remained her home. It was a place filled with joy and cherished memories because of the love and warmth she brought to it.  Throughout her life, Mary was a devoted caretaker– not only to her children but to anyone who needed care, guidance and support. She was selfless, compassionate, and empathetic, always putting others before herself. 

Mary found deep joy in time spent with her family and managing the family farm. The family home she cared for was sacred to her -- a living reflection of the life and legacy she built. She treasured summers at Lake Okoboji – her most peaceful place. During her journey with cancer, she often spoke of her longing to return there.

She fiercely loved and was deeply loved by her 5 grandchildren: Ben (15), Cora (13), and Joe (8), children of Katie and Dave Stephan; and Louis (3) and Edison(1.5), children of Nick and Ellen Pribyl. Her heart was fullest when she was surrounded by them–there was truly nothing she wouldn’t do for her family. She loved concerts and dinners with her daughter, Liz. She was surprised by many spontaneous visits from her son, Nick, and loved seeing him become the best father to his little boys. Mary found great pride in seeing her daughter Katie become a mother, offering her children the same unwavering, unconditional love and support Mary gave her own.

Mary was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in November 2024 and was a warrior throughout the journey, facing each day with grace, strength, and determination until her passing on April 4, 2025.  Mary’s family looks forward to her being reunited in heaven with her father, Jerry Carney; mother, Audrey Carney; brother, Dan Carney; and many others who passed before her.

To her family, Mary will always be invincible. Though Stage 4 pancreatic cancer carries a devastating prognosis, it never dimmed her spirit, love, strength, or determination. Mary is a warrior. Throughout this almost six-month journey, she was surrounded by the same unconditional love she had so freely given to her family throughout her life. 

Mary’s Celebration of Life will be held at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Ames Iowa, on April 25, 2025, at 10:30 AM. There will be a lunch following the Mass in the church basement.  We encourage you to wear color, as Mary never agreed with the tradition of dark colors at funerals. 

To honor Mary’s memory, please consider visiting the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (pancan.org) to learn more about this disease. If you’re able, donations in Mary Carney’s name– or in the name of someone you love–would be deeply appreciated.  

Mary’s family would also like to express sincere gratitude to the incredible team at Unity Point Inpatient Hospice in Cedar Rapids. The love, care, and compassion they demonstrated went far beyond expectation during a sorrowful time. 

 Be free, Mama. Your family cannot wait to meet you at sunset. 
- Love always and forever, 
Your warriors