Dorothy Ellen Cain, a long-time resident of Tracy, died Tuesday the 29th of July at McLaughlin House in Marshall. Visitation will be at St. Mary’s Catholic Church on November 29, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. The funeral Mass will follow at 11:00 a.m.
Dorothy was born in September 1926 to John and Mary Ellen McCoy. Dorothy married James Cain, also from Tracy, in August 1947 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Both did post-high school studies in Minneapolis and began their careers there prior to Jim joining Carlson’s Department Store in Tracy as a partner in 1948. In 1958 Jim and Dorothy became owners and operators of Cain’s Department Store until it was sold in 1974. Through their business, civic and church activities, Jim and Dorothy served the interests of Tracy residents in many ways over the years.
Following 20 plus years of working at the Tracy Clinic, in her retirement Dorothy enjoyed playing bridge, socializing with friends and family, volunteering, and maintaining her home. She proudly celebrated her Irish heritage throughout her life and was deeply committed to her faith, family and friends. She was a strong, independent and resourceful woman well into her 90s. She was not defined just by her achievements, but by the way she approached life and the people around her overall. She kindly gave support to those who were facing difficult times and with great enthusiasm celebrated the successes of all.
Dorothy is survived by her four daughters, two sons-inlaw, nine grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. Her four daughters are Suzanne Sandbo (Gary deceased), Mary Catherine Mandel (Gary), Colleen Schiller (Ken) and Patty Bruner (Dan deceased).
The family requests that memorial gifts be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, St. Mary’s School, the Tracy Community Center or Tracy City Park project.
