Mary Kane

Mary Ellen Schutzendorf Kane died peacefully January 11, 2009 at St. John's Living Center, at the age of eighty years. Mary was born on January 22, 1928, to Helene and Guy Schutzendorf in Mineola, NY. She attended Adelphi University and became a Registered Nurse in 1946; a career that she worked in for nearly fifty years. Shortly after marrying Thomas Kane in 1948, they moved to New England where they resided for about twenty years. The union produced two daughters, Hilary and Christina. The family moved to Boulder, Colorado in 1970, and Mary and Tom divorced shortly after. Mary moved to Lake Tahoe, California in 1991, then to Jackson Hole in 1999 to be closer to her daughter, Jackson resident Christie Maurais. Mary was very active throughout her life. She was an ice skater, a skier, a swimmer (competing in seniors swimming events well into her 60's), and could be spotted bicycling on South Park Loop as recently as eight years ago. She was passionate about music, literacy and the community, as evidenced by her many volunteer activities. Mary tutored school age children in reading, sang in church choirs, and was a member of the Jackson Hole Chorale. She volunteered at the Grand Teton Music Festival Hall, the National Museum of Wildlife Art, and served on the St. John's Hospital Auxiliary. She also volunteered her services at every election, working the polls throughout her adult life. Mary will always be remembered for her sharp wit, inquisitive nature, and her bold opinions. If you met Mary only once, you would never forget her. She cared about others and all that was happening around her. She filled a room with her energetic presence. Mary is survived by her two daughters, Hilary Appleby of Palm Desert, California, Christie Maurais of Jackson, and by her grandchildren Nerissa Reidenbaugh, Breana Maurais and Daniel Maurais. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, January 24th at St. John's Episcopal Chapel with a reception following. Her daughter Christie requests that you honor Mary by taking the time to visit a friend or stranger in need of company.

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