Mary McCatherine

Mary McCatherine, 65, passed away on September 3, 2024, at her home in Lampasas, Texas.  She was born on August 18, 1959, in Springfield, Missouri to Bruce and Linda (Malady) Collins.

A rosary will be held at Sneed-Carnley Funeral Chapel Lampasas on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, at 6 pm with visitation to follow until 8 pm.  The funeral mass will be held at St. Mary's Catholic Church on Thursday, September 12, 2024, at 10 am. A private burial will follow at Loving Arms Garden. 

Mary joined the Army at a young age and served for many years before being discharged.  Mary aspired to become a teacher and thus attended college at Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas where she received a degree in Education.  She went on to teach at Harker Heights Elementary School before continuing her teaching career in Lampasas, where she taught 5th grade at Hanna Springs Intermediate School and later taught 8th grade English at Lampasas Middle School.  Mary was deeply proud of her students and enjoyed getting to know them individually.  Her positive impact on the lives of her students, as well as fellow faculty members, is innumerable.

Mary was driven by curiosity and passionate about learning new things.  She loved to share her knowledge with her students, friends and family.  Mary enjoyed traveling and was an avid reader.  She loved books, flowers, a hot cup of coffee, and spending time with the people she loved.  Mary adored her cat, Harriet.  Mary saw humor in many things and had an infectious laugh and smile.  She emphasized kindness and peace above all else and sought the best in people.  Mary was extremely proud of her children and took great interest in each of their lives and hobbies.

Mary married John in 1987 in Killeen, Texas.  They were married for 37 years.  Mary was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, a book club, and a bunko club.  She cherished the time she spent with her friends, many of whom she considered family.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Bruce and Linda (Malady) Collins.

Mary is survived by her spouse John of Lampasas; her children, Andy, Amanda, and Alex McCatherine of Lampasas; her brothers and sisters, Bruce (Brenda) Collins, Charlotte (Richard) Cline, Sara Collins, Amy Collins-Buckner, Steve (Rhonda) Collins, and Janet (Kristie) Collins of Springfield, Missouri and her nieces, nephews and other relatives.