Mary Jean Kacere, 101, of West Des Moines, passed away Monday, May 15, 2023. Visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, May 19 ^th followed by the Trisagion and funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church in Cedar Rapids with Fr. Fred Shaheen presiding. Burial will be at St. George Cemetery. Brosh Chapel and The Avacentre in Cedar Rapids is handling the arrangements.

Mary Jean was born on November 29, 1921, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She was the daughter of Samuel J. Kacere and Anna George. At 7 years of age, her life changed drastically by the sudden and unexpected death of her mother. Her older sister, Lillian, raised Mary Jean and her two brothers along with her own family, providing them with a warm and loving home. She always considered these years of growing up on her beloved 3 ^rd Street in Cedar Rapids as the happiest times of her life. She graduated from McKinley High School and went on to marry George Kacere in 1947. They were blessed with 64 happy years together enjoying music, sports, 1940's movies and spending time with their children and grandchildren.

In 2004, she and George moved to West Des Moines to be closer to their children. George passed away in 2011 at the age of 96. She was always grateful to God for being given so many years with her loving husband.

Mary Jean cherished her St. George Church in Cedar Rapids and believed that it was the foundation upon which her life was built. She remained a devoted member up until the time of her death.

She is survived by her two children, Mark (Mary) Kacere and Lynne Hoyt; her grandchildren, Jonathan Hoyt, Laura Kacere (Andy Manos), Jill Kacere (Liam Cutler); two great-grandchildren, Frankie and Bea; her brother Tom Kacere; and many loving nieces and nephews.

Mary Jean was preceded in death by her parents, husband, sisters Fannie Habib and Lillian Haddy and brother Joseph Kacere.

In lieu of flowers, Mary Jean has requested that all memorials be directed to St. George Church.