Mary Kathryn Capra, 78, passed away peacefully in Houston, Texas on December 27, 2025, surrounded by love and laughter. 'Kathy' to many, 'mom' to six, 'sister' to fourteen, and 'Nina' to dozens of lucky grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and badass to all, she leaves behind a legacy of unconditional love and hope in the face of great uncertainty and tribulation.

Growing up in Cedar Rapids, Iowa in a humble and bustling home, Mary Kathryn followed her parents, Richard D. Long and Mary Catherine Long, in making it her life mission to care for those around her, ensuring that each person she met knew that they mattered and had something grand to offer to the world. This mission was actualized in the way she smiled at strangers, the cards and letters she wrote, the meals she cooked, and the many, many ways she said 'I love you.'

After a winding road, Mary Kathryn moved to Texas, meeting Tony Capra, a man who shared the same mission as herself. The two were parents and friends that the rest of Kingwood, Texas wished they had, offering an eclectic mix of humor, stubbornness, simplicity, and compassion.

Mary Kathryn was challenged, but never compromised, by life circumstances. In fact, in the past decade, illness and cancer have only illuminated what's most important to her—family. Her pain was never too much to attend a dysfunctional Christmas Eve party, to return to Iowa to see John, her loving companion, family and friends, or to see a grandchild's concert or game. Until the end, her calendar was full of family to call and see.

Her rest is beyond well-deserved, but if you know anything about her, she's already dancing with Tony, singing karaoke with her son-in-law Jason Montagne, cooking with her mom, following her dad to work, and gossiping with her siblings. Her memory lives on in every heart she touched and will continue to inspire others to live joyful lives.