Mary Kapner, 76, of Galveston, passed away on July 31, 2026 peacefully at home after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer.

Mary was born in Dallas, Texas, to Jay Lynn and Erma Skaggs on March 23, 1950. She attended Baylor University, where she earned a Masters of Science in Speech Pathology and Audiology in 1973. Mary began her career as a Speech-Language Pathologist at UTMB in Galveston, where she also met her loving husband, Nathan Kapner. She later continued her career in healthcare and retired as Manager of the Inpatient Rehab Unit at Clear Lake Regional Hospital.

After a few years of courtship, Mary and Nathan were united in marriage in 1978, beginning a loving partnership that would span almost 50 years. Together they built a home filled with love, faith, and family. They welcomed their son, Jonathan, in 1981, and their daughter, Erin, in 1985. Mary treasured her role as a wife and mother, finding her greatest joy in caring for her family and creating a home where love, laughter, and cherished memories flourished.

Mary's caring nature could be seen in the career she devoted to helping others, in the love she gave so freely to her family and friends, and in the time she spent volunteering with Sunday School children at University Baptist Church in Clear Lake and at St. Vincent's House Galveston.

Mary also found true joy in the wonder of God's creation. She loved spending time outdoors bird watching and gardening. She was a passionate animal lover who found immense joy in sharing those peaceful moments with her beloved dogs. Inside, her quiet creativity came alive through her beautiful quilting, and she loved nothing more than winding down reading a favorite cozy British mystery. Mary's spirited nature was reflected in her unwavering support of the Houston Texans football team, faithfully cheering on her team from the franchise's very beginning.

Above all, Mary will be remembered for the way she made people feel. Those fortunate enough to know Mary would say they were better for having known her, and the kindness, comfort, laughter, and love she gave so naturally.

Mary is survived by her husband, Nathan; her son, Jonathan; her daughter, Erin; and her sister, Virginia Ann; and many loving nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jay Lynn and Erma Skaggs.

Visitation will begin at 11:30 a.m., with the Celebration of Life Service following at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, August 7th at Carnes Brothers Funeral Home in Galveston. Family and friends are warmly invited to the family home immediately following the service for fellowship.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Vincent's House Galveston (www.stvhope.org) or The Galveston Island Humane Society (www.galvestonhumane.org/donate).