Obituary: Cain, Joseph Gerard “Gerry”
He came to Spokane in 1949 to attend Gonzaga University, graduating in 1953.
Following graduation, he worked in several social service agencies until 1959, when he returned to school to seek a master of social work degree.
He received his master’s from the University of Buffalo in 1961.
Following graduation, he worked in Rochester, N.Y., and Richmond, Calif., before returning to Spokane in 1964 to work at Catholic Family Service.
In 1966 he became the first social worker hired by Spokane School District 81, retiring from that position in 1989.
In 1960, he married Patricia Coady in Calgary, and in time they had five sons.
Gerry was deeply devoted to his Catholic faith and his interests included politics, history, and reading, especially biographies.
He enjoyed a lengthy retirement and found great satisfaction in family get-togethers, the occasional golf outing, and his association with Hospice of Spokane, where he volunteered for 15 years.
Gerry is survived by Patricia, his wife of 55 years, his sons and daughters-in-law, Michael and Susan, James, John and Trish, Martin, and Timothy Cain, grandsons Jacob, Colin, and Connor Cain, as well as his brother Vincent (Yolande) Cain, sisters-in-law Denise Cain, Gloria Cain, Margaret Holubowich (Ed), and Mary Coady, and 21 nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to thank Jane Whetzel, ARNP, of Group Health, and Colleen Burns, Debbie Lee, Charlene Meats, and Sandi Goodwin of Hospice of Spokane, and the staff of Hospice House North for the loving care they provided Gerry during his final weeks and days.
A vigil service, featuring Evening Prayer of the Divine Office (Liturgy of the Hours), so beloved by Gerry, will be held at 7:00pm on Friday, May 15, at Assumption Catholic Church, 3624 W. Indian Trail Road.
Gerry’s funeral Mass will be celebrated the following day, Saturday, May 16, at 1:00pm, also at Assumption.
A reception will follow in the parish hall.