Mary C. DeCotis

November 7, 1930 - April 13, 2022

Mary Cangi DeCotis passed from this life peacefully at home, with her family, on the morning of April 13, 2022, at the age of 91, in San Antonio, Texas. Born on November 7, 1930, in Rome, New York to Michael and Beatrice Cangi, she is preceded in death by her parents, her brother William Cangi, and her loving husband Donald “Red” DeCotis. Mary is survived by her children Denise McCauley and Don DeCotis of San Antonio; Karen DeCotis of Bozeman, Montana; her brothers Michael Cangi of Massachusetts and Jerry Cangi of Oregon. Seven grandchildren have blessed her life: Jennifer McCauley, Danielle DeCotis, Donnie DeCotis, Wendy Brand, Kelley McCauley, Laura Himstedt, and Yujun Durham, and six great grandchildren, including Jennifer’s son, Van Wilson. Among Mary’s loves were foremost her family, big Sunday dinners, and listening to the wonderful big band music of the 40’s and 50’s (Frank Sinatra being the favorite). She enjoyed beautiful clothes, loved to laugh and had a deep affection for dogs, having rescued more than just a few. Mary had a very generous nature, donated time and money to serve both the Catholic Church as well as other people and organizations in need. Mary spent much energy supporting the Catholic Daughters, Catholic Charities, and the Archdiocese of San Antonio. Mary’s door was always open for friends, neighbors and family to drop in, and anyone in need. Mary’s faith sustained her throughout her life, and was blessed to get to travel widely – Europe, the east coast, several cruises, and her favorite – Las Vegas! Her special love was always, though, to have family close by. Growing up in Rome, New York, Mary enjoyed music and singing, friends, swimming and dancing. She even sang with a big band for a time. Mary had close girlfriends, which is something she always valued and nurtured. Mary and Red met in Utica, New York, and Mary brought her mother, Beatrice, to help her get Red to ask her out. Red and Mary married, settled in Rome, and had their family, until Red’s work led them to San Antonio in 1965. Early in her professional career, Mary worked for the Secret Service briefly and for the Griffis Air Force Base in Rome. In San Antonio, she enjoyed a 20+ year career in staffing, earning numerous awards and recognitions for her work in elevating the personnel profession. Mary was the president of the National Association of Personnel Consultants (NAPC) and was honored with a National Award for Excellence in Contingent Staffing in her name – the M. Marty DeCotis Award. In addition, Mary enjoyed running businesses on the side – including selling personal care products and jewelry. Mary enjoyed her place as a caring and lively matriarch. The spirit of celebration was always in her heart. Her family will miss her greatly and we will always keep her in our hearts. A rosary in her name will be held at St Matthew’s Church at 9:30 am on Monday, April 25, followed by a funeral mass at 10:00 am and reception to follow.