WELCOME! My name is Mary Cae McNellis

On this page you will learn some information about me.
Enjoy, and thank you for visiting our web.

I was born in Waterloo, Iowa and lived on my family farm until second grade. We (mom, dad, two sisters and brother) moved to Cedar Rapids. We lived by a small town called Fairfax where I, with my brother and sisters attended a small Catholic school. Our faith was an important part of my childhood. When I was in ninth grade my family moved back to the Waterloo, Cedar Falls area.

I meet my husband Bill, via a friend and we have been married for 42 years. We have one daughter who is married and lives with her husband and two children in Davenport. She is a teacher also. She teaches High School in Davenport. Even though we teach different age groups we have many stories to share. Our (Grandpa Bill and Nannie, the name I go by) grandchildren are growing up fast. Our grandson turned 14 this year, yes, a teenager. Our granddaughter is now 11 years old soon to be 12. They both are a pleasure to have in our lives. Some weekends require a quick grandparent fix, taking in basketball, band concerts, programs, etc. or just hanging out together. 

I received my Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education from Upper Iowa University. A career in helping children learn led me to work with preschool age children and eventually owned and operated my own preschool. I loved teaching that age group but I was given the opportunity to be a part of St. Edward School to teach second grade and decided that was what I wanted to do. I have been at St Edward for 18 years. Teaching second grade is a wonderful experience but the most pleasurable is being able to help them learn about their faith. Second grade requires learning about the Sacraments, Reconciliation and the Eucharist. Facilitating the academic learning is rewarding but helping children become more knowledgeable in their Catholic faith is the most rewarding.

When I am not taking classes and teaching I enjoy spending time with my husband, tending to many flower gardens, reading a variety books and articles, pleasurable and educational and selective count stitch projects. We like to bike, walk and spend as much time as possible with our grandchildren. We also like to take some time off from the duties and travel but we really enjoy our home away from home in Clear Lake, jet skiing, boating, but mostly just relaxing.