Mary E. Capadano

Mary E. Capadano

Age 67

Mary Elizabeth Dunlap Capadano passed peacefully from this life in the presence of loving family members on Friday, January 13, 2023, at the age of 67, after a valiant 6 1/2-year battle with metastatic breast cancer.

Mary was born to Dr. James and Joan Dunlap in Omaha, Nebraska. She was the eldest of twelve children. After attending Christ the King Grade School, she graduated from Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart in 1973, where she was active in school plays, including a memorable turn as the Scarecrow in “The Wizard of Oz.” She met Harry Capadano, a sophomore at the University of Notre Dame, at a party both were reluctant to attend in the first few weeks of her freshman year at St. Mary’s College. After Harry’s first semester at Florida State College of Law, the Omaha World-Herald reported Mary and Harry’s engagement over the 1976 Christmas holiday under the headline “Mary E. Dunlap to Wed Student.”

Mary graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1977 and wed Harry in August of that year.  Mary supported the newlyweds by working nights and weekends as a Registered Nurse during their last two years of law school in Tallahassee, Florida, and for two years thereafter while Harry practiced law in Americus, Georgia. When a change of scenery beckoned, the Dunlap family welcomed them back to Omaha with open arms and hearts.

Mary and Harry raised three children (Elizabeth, Matthew, and Katherine) as members of St. Cecilia’s Cathedral parish in Omaha. Mary enthusiastically supported them by attending countless soccer, football, basketball, and volleyball games and school plays, and was active in many school and parish endeavors. She offered constant and indispensable love and support to her husband throughout his career as a lawyer in Omaha for nearly forty years. While raising her family, Mary pursued a four-decade career as a Research Nurse Coordinator at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, including stints in Oncology and Gastroenterology.  Her work on the team that helped develop blockbuster medications for Hepatitis C was the culmination of years of devotion to the health and well-being of others.

Mary was an avid reader, and she loved to crochet, play bridge and cook. Her pumpkin log roll, praline sweet potato casserole, and chocolate bourbon pecan pie will be enjoyed for years to come. Mary enjoyed spending time with her friends and family – especially her children, grandchildren, and English Springer Spaniels. She also cherished time spent with Harry’s family and friends in Florida.

Mary’s cancer treatments began in 2016, two years after planning her son’s priesthood ordination reception in 2014 and months after planning her daughters’ weddings in 2015. She pursued her journey with determination, grace, and goodwill, belying the pain she endured.  In her final weeks, her lifelong devotion to family was repaid by the loving care and support of her spouse, children, mother, and siblings, who time and again advocated for her care and personally tended to her needs.

Mary was preceded in death by her father, James, and brother Timothy. She is survived by her devoted and grateful husband of 45 years, Harry; children: Elizabeth Pierce (Alan), Rev. Matthew Capadano, and Katherine Nordhues (Jacob); grandchildren: Haeleigh, Natalie, Dominic, and Maria; mother Joan M. Dunlap; brothers: Thomas Dunlap, Sr. (Janice), Patrick Dunlap, James R. “Jay” Dunlap, Jr. (Margie); sisters: Margaret D’Costa (Ophil), Suzanne Carl (Doug), Monica Thiel (Joe), Amy Dickas (Steve), Jennifer Livingston (Mike), Allison Dunlap and Maria Dunlap; and dozens of nieces and nephews.

VISITATION: Thursday, January 19^th, 5pm with 7pm VIGIL at Christ the King Catholic Church, 654 S 86th St.

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Friday, January 20^th, 10am, at Christ the King Catholic Church. To view a live broadcast of the services, go to www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “View Live Cast” button.

Interment: Calvary

In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the Hospice House Josie Harper Residence, Archdiocese of Omaha Seminary Fund, Christ the King Catholic Church, or St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Wayne, Nebraska.