Mary McCatherine, 65, died on Sept. 3, 2024, at her home in Lampasas.
A rosary will be held at Sneed-Carnley Funeral Chapel in Lampasas on Sept. 11 at 6 p.m., with visitation to follow until 8 p.m.
Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church on Sept. 12 at 10 a.m. A private burial will follow at Loving Arms Garden.
Mary was born on Aug. 18, 1959, in Springfield, Missouri, to Bruce and Linda (Malady) Collins.
She joined the Army at a young age and served for many years before being discharged.
Mary aspired to become a teacher and attended college at Tarleton State University in Stephenville, where she received a degree in education. She taught at Harker Heights Elementary School before continuing her teaching career in Lampasas, where she taught fifth grade at Hanna Springs Intermediate School and later taught eighth-grade English at Lampasas Middle School.
Mary was deeply proud of her students and enjoyed getting to know them individually. She left a positive impact on the lives of her students, as well as fellow faculty members.
Mary was driven by curiosity, and she was passionate about learning new things. She loved to share her knowledge with her students, friends and family. Mary also 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.
She saw humor in many things and had an infectious laugh and smile. She emphasized kindness and peace 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. They were married for 37 years.
She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, a book club and a bunko club.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Bruce and Linda Collins.
She is survived by her spouse, John, of Lampasas; her children Andy, Amanda and Alex McCatherine of Lampasas; 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.
