Mary (Dolan) Corpstein

Mary (Dolan) Corpstein

Marion

Mary (Dolan) Corpstein of Marion, Iowa, and most recently Anamosa, Iowa, went home to the Lord on Friday, July 1, 2022, surrounded by her loving family.

“Blessed the heart of Jesus” and “I love you all” were some of her final words. Live by example. A life well lived!

We would like to thank the staff at Woodland Park of Anamosa. Mary moved there Oct. 31, 2021– she truly thought the world of her friends there. Accura Healthcare of Cascade, for their compassionate and kind care, it cannot be measured - Mary said, “they are so nice to me, I love it here.” And finally Mercy Hospice for their kind and gentle care of our dear mother.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 7, 2022, at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Marion, Iowa, with the Rosary at 7 p.m. Additional visitation will be 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. July 8, 2022, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church before Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. Father David O’Connor and Father Nick March will officiate. Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Mary was born on Aug. 18, 1922, in Dubuque, Iowa the daughter of Raphael and Eleanor (Dean) Dolan. On Jan. 29, Mary was united in marriage to Fred Corpstein at Sacred Heart Church in Dubuque, Iowa.

Mary’s childhood was certainly informed by the Great Depression, and later in her early 20s she was proud to serve her country during WWII at the Pentagon. After marrying Fred, the couple lived in Dubuque, Iowa, and then moved to Marion, Iowa, in 1955. Mary was an active St. Joseph’s Church parishioner, joining committees including The Ladies’ Circle, Fun Days and many more. She retired in 1987 from Nordstrom Oil, just days before the unexpected passing of her beloved Fred. Another 11 years were spent working at Mailing Services Inc., Fred’s business which was continued by her son, Joe. After her second retirement in 1998, Mary traveled and enjoyed the Widows Group at St. Joseph’s.

Mary’s love of NCAA basketball, especially the Hawkeyes, began in 1987 and her March Madness bracket could have matched up against any ESPN predictions. In fact, her Grandsons would often call her when they discussed basketball or March Madness as “Grandma always knew.” Even later in life at 95, while having lunch at the Marion Hy-Vee, she would talk sports with everyone there. Everywhere she went Mary found helpful and kind people. Her character drew them in.

Mary was a devoted wife, grandmother, and “Grandma Great.” She lived 99 ½ wonderful years. Like Betty White, she skipped the fuss of 100. She will be missed by her family, friends, and everyone who knew her.

Mary is survived and lovingly remembered by her children, Mimi (Michael) Caulfield, Aurora, Colo., Steve Corpstein, Marion, Iowa, Betsy (Brad) Riddell, Greeley, Colo., Jeff (Reynita) Corpstein, Noblesville, Ind., and Joe (Julie) Corpstein, Anamosa, Iowa; 14 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Fred; and her granddaughter, Ellen Caulfield.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Mary’s memory may be directed to the family.

Please share a memory of Mary at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries