Mary Catherine Mahoney Crose, age 82, of Columbia, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on September 25, 2026.

Mary was born in Waukon, Iowa, and attended St. Scholastica High School, an all-girls Catholic high school in Chicago. As a young woman, Mary served as a Candy Striper, where she helped care for newborns. 

Mary’s life took a beautiful turn when she married her beloved husband, Robert, in 1963. Together, they built a loving family and shared many years of marriage. Mary devoted herself to raising her daughters and creating a warm and loving home for her family.

Mary was a devoted wife and loving mother. Her family was the center of her life, and she treasured her role as Nana to her grandchildren. One of her most recent joys was meeting her first great-grandson, Caleb.

Faith was an important part of Mary’s life. She was involved in her church community, including during the years she lived in Cary. Later in life, Mary found meaningful ways to share her faith and compassion. She volunteered with hospice and also brought Communion to patients in hospitals. Through these acts of service, she continued to offer comfort, kindness, and companionship to others.

Mary was social, caring, and happiest when surrounded by family and friends. She had a creative spirit and enjoyed crafting, making cards, crocheting, stamping, and, especially, gardening. She could often be found tending to her flowers and plants, creating beautiful things with her hands, or simply enjoying time with the people she loved.

Mary will be remembered for her warm heart, her creativity, her faith, and her caring nature. Most of all, she will be remembered for the love she gave so generously to her family and for the many quiet ways she brought comfort and joy to the people around her.

She is survived by her daughters, Sue (Mark) Svancarek, Debby (Rob) Ferrara, and Cindy Spence; grandchildren, Kyle, Laura, Amanda, Ally, and Randy; and great-grandson, Caleb.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert Crose; her parents, Joseph and Marjorie Mahoney; and her siblings, James Mahoney, Joan White, and Patricia Smith.

A private memorial service will be held with family.