Mary Elizabeth Corbett Cain, age 78, of Carmel, IN, passed away peacefully on the morning of Sunday, May 24, 2026. Mary was born in Marion, IN to James Corbett and Mary “Bobbie” Naber on February 5, 1948.

Mary attended St. Paul Catholic school until 8th grade and graduated from Bennett High School in 1966. She made endearing friendships with her classmates that lasted forever. She and her siblings grew up perfecting their golf at Meshingomesia Country Club and spending summers on Lake Tippecanoe. Her childhood was interrupted, however, with the passing of their father and mother in 1956 and 1961, respectively. Mary and siblings were raised by Aunt Jean (Naber) and Uncle George “Azzie” Wilkinson at 812 Spencer Avenue, Marion, IN. There, Mary acquired the art of “going with the flow” and “finding the silver lining” that stayed throughout her whole life.

During high school, her summers were happily spent at Camp Dick Runyon on Lake Tippecanoe, North Webster, IN. These summers proved dear to her as she would sing camp songs to her children and grandchildren that reminded her of warm memories with her sister Cacky, her cousins (Jeanie and Susie) and camp friends. It was on Lake Tippy that Mary became an expert water-skier, even slaloming on a canoe paddle.

Mary attended Gulf Park College in Mississippi for one year where she served as Sergeant at Arms (Lead mentor and friend) on the student council before changing pace and heading west to Tucson, AZ to be closer to her brother Mike. Mary attended and graduated from the University of Arizona, enjoying her time at the Gamma Phi Beta sorority house ("Gamma Phi Beta, hot potata!"). Mary was beyond thrilled to be in Arizona with Mike, Cacky, and other close family and friends from Marion.

Upon graduation, Mary and Cacky left Arizona for the cobblestone streets of Boston. She shared many fun and heartwarming times there, including a few stories from the Kennedy compound, Bob Cain trying her infamous egg sandwich, and one fateful night ending with Cacky driving a police car over the Harvard Bridge.

Love and marriage called Mary home to Marion, IN where she raised two beautiful children whom she adored. Mary enjoyed summers off spending time with Courtney and Corbett on Euclid Avenue, first 910 Euclid Avenue and then 1000 Euclid Avenue. She provided a welcoming home, hosting many bridge games and gatherings with friends and family for stories and snacks. Of course, Mary was enjoying it all with her kitchen towel on her shoulder.

Mary earned a master’s degree in social work, her true calling, from IUPUI. She counseled “sweet peas” at Marion High School, Arlington HS, and Broad Ripple HS between 1989-2016. If you were fortunate enough to attend a high school with Mary as the social worker, you were softened by her joyful, caring spirit. Mary was known to also offer a complimentary Coke and French fry from the McDonald's drive thru to help soothe your anxiety.

As much as Mary loved her job and the people she worked with, she valued her time during retirement with her family and friends, especially at the lake, enjoying boat rides on Wawasee, and playing cards (Bridge, Euchre and Pitch). If you caught her with no plans, chances are she was dealing herself a round of solitaire or taking a car ride. Even in assisted living, her social calendar remained busier than most.

The world to us no longer feels complete without Mary by our side. She was Mare Mare to her precious grandchildren, Drew, Maddie, and Charlie.

Mary is preceded in death by her father James W. Corbett; her mother Mary Elizabeth Naber Corbett; her brother Dave Corbett (Judy); and brother Mike Corbett (Mary Kay).

Mary is survived by her daughter Courtney Doyle; and son Corbett Cain (Katie); brother Steve Corbett (Sally); and sister Catherine “Cacky” Handley (Ken); and her grandchildren Drew and Maddie Doyle, and Charlie Cain.

A Celebration of Life is scheduled for June 28 at the Northside Events & Social Club (formerly Knights of Columbus) at 71st St. and Keystone Ave., Indianapolis, IN from 4:00-6:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial donations to the Alzheimer’s Association in honor of Mary.