Mary Cady 1950-2025
Mary Kathryn Arnold Cady passed away peacefully with family by her side after a courageous battle with liver cancer on Jan. 15, 2025, at the age of 75.
She was born Jan. 1, 1950, in Holton to William Grant Arnold and Kathryn Kehler Arnold.
A proud graduate of Holton High School, Class of 1967, Mary was an active member of her community and youth organizations, including the Evangel United Brethren Church and the Lucky Stars 4-H Club. Her passion for involvement and leadership was evident early on, especially during her high school years where she worked on the yearbook — a formative experience that inspired her future in journalism. She enjoyed her summers working at The Holton Recorder.
Mary went on to attend The University of Kansas, where she made history as the first woman to graduate from the ROTC program. As part of the Women’s Army Corps Student Officer Program, she earned top honors and was named the Big Eight Champion her junior year on The University of Kansas rifle team. This opportunity gave Mary a chance to proudly become the first woman to be chosen on the rifle team, helping Mary pursue her passion of sports. She pursued a military career following her college graduation and retired as Lieutenant Colonel from the Army Reserves in 1995.
During her career in the military, she met her husband, Rob Cady. They were married on Aug. 5, 1972, in Holton. They met while stationed at Fort Riley, and following their time there, they made their home living in Massachusetts and New York, eventually settling in Maine.
Deeply committed to her family and community, Mary was a devoted mother and an active supporter of her children’s education. She was widely known for her enthusiastic announcing at Orono High School sporting events and served for many years as a beloved substitute teacher, earning the affectionate title of “second mom” to many of her children’s friends. Mary completed her working years out of the home by working at the library at the University of Maine, again helping college students however she could.
Mary’s passion for athletics extended well beyond the sidelines. She was a driving force in Maine’s track and field community for more than 30 years, organizing meets throughout the state and mentoring officials, coaches and athletes. She was a master-level USA Track and Field certified official, officiating at national and collegiate events across the country. In 2022, her dedication was honored with the Maine Principals’ Association Hall of Fame Excellence Award.
Mary cherished time with her family, especially at her daughter Kate’s lake house, where she welcomed friends old and new with warmth and laughter. Her journalism degree was used every Christmas, with an anticipated Christmas letter detailing her family’s activities and her travels and Maine visitors. If you were lucky to enjoy the company of Mary during the year, your name made the Christmas letter. Although Mary resided in Maine for many years, her love of her hometown and her childhood farm was shared many summers by traveling with her children to visit family and friends. Her most recent pride and joy was the title Grandma.
She is survived by her husband, Rob Cady; her children, Houston, Kate and Stuart (Erin); and her grandson, Wynn. She also leaves behind her siblings, Allen Arnold (Sharon), Richard Arnold (Linda) and Barbara Arnold Mattox, all of Holton, along with many nieces and nephews, and many friends and acquaintances she’s met along the way.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, William and Kathryn Arnold, and her brother-in-law, William Mattox.
Her legacy of service, strength and unwavering support for her family and community will live on in all who knew her. A service will be held at a later date for close family.
(PAID OBITUARY)
