Mary Catherine 'Mary Kay' Strak, Longtime Nurse and Volunteer, Dies at 86

The dedicated caregiver spent decades serving others, including volunteering with the Dallas Cowboys

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Mary Catherine 'Mary Kay' Strak, a longtime nurse who dedicated her career and personal time to caring for others, passed away on February 11, 2026, at the age of 86 in Rush Valley, Utah. Born in Superior, Wisconsin, Mary Kay spent over 40 years as a nurse and also volunteered as a nurse for the Dallas Cowboys summer training camps for many years. After the passing of her husband Herbert in 2023, she moved to Rush Valley to live with her brother's family, where she was cared for by a dedicated home health staff until her death.

Why it matters

Mary Kay's life story exemplifies the selfless dedication of healthcare workers and the positive impact they can have on their communities, both through their professional work and volunteer efforts. Her passing is a loss felt by those whose lives she touched over her decades of service.

The details

Mary Kay began her nursing career in the 1970s and worked for over 40 years, known for her deep commitment to her patients. In 2001, she began volunteering as a nurse for the Dallas Cowboys summer training camps in Oxnard, California, a role she continued for many years. After her husband Herbert passed away in 2023, she moved to Rush Valley, Utah to live with her brother's family, where she was cared for by a team of home health aides until her death.

  • Mary Kay was born on February 20, 1939 in Superior, Wisconsin.
  • She passed away on February 11, 2026 in Rush Valley, Utah at the age of 86.
  • Mary Kay married Herbert Strak on December 21, 1973.
  • Herbert Strak passed away in January 2023.
  • Mary Kay's celebration of life will be held on March 14, 2026 from 12 to 3 p.m. at the Rush Valley Town Hall.

The players

Mary Catherine 'Mary Kay' Strak

A dedicated nurse who spent over 40 years caring for patients and also volunteered as a nurse for the Dallas Cowboys summer training camps for many years.

Herbert Strak

Mary Kay's husband, who passed away in January 2023.

Eugene Edmond 'Ned' Donahue

Mary Kay's father.

Edith Benlick

Mary Kay's mother.

Mike Donahue

Mary Kay's brother, with whom she lived in Rush Valley, Utah after her husband's passing.

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What’s next

A celebration of Mary Kay's life will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2026 from 12 to 3 p.m. at the Rush Valley Town Hall.

The takeaway

Mary Kay Strak's selfless dedication to nursing and caring for others, both professionally and through volunteer work, serves as an inspiring example of the positive impact healthcare workers can have on their communities. Her legacy will continue to be felt by those whose lives she touched over her decades of service.