Mary Kaknis Gage, 87, passed away peacefully with family by her side, Thursday, March 27, 2025, in Winchester, Va.

Born in 1937 in Winchester, Virginia, Mary was the youngest daughter of Constantine and Katherine Kaknis. She graduated from Handley High School, attended William & Mary College and received her nursing degree (RN) from Monroe Community College in Michigan. She continued her nursing studies at the University of Michigan School of Nursing and Wayne County Community College.

Mary worked in cardiac care at Providence Hospital, Wyandotte Hospital, private practice cardiology, and in blood services at the American Red Cross. Her passion for wellness and helping others thrive led her to continue studies in mind-body connection and holistic health. She received certification in relaxation and meditation techniques, interned at the Simonton Cancer Center in California, and earned a certification in “Spirituality and Healing in Medicine” from Harvard Medical School in Massachusetts.

Mary founded Success Unlimited in Michigan, a private practice utilizing relaxation techniques and creative imagery for stress management, mindfulness, and more. She also established the Institute of Holistic Health, a proprietary school licensed by the Michigan Board of Education to teach relaxation and meditation techniques, home health care, and stress management courses. She wrote, introduced, and presented successful cardiac and rehab stress management programs for several area hospitals.

A woman of deep faith and service, Mary was an active member of her churches, serving as both a Deacon and a Parish Nurse.

Mary shared a full and adventurous life with her husband of 36 years, Jack James Gage. They lived on Hickory Island in Grosse Ile, Michigan, where they were active community members and avid sailors with the Hickory Island Yacht Club. In 1999, they moved to her beloved Naples, Florida, where she delighted in all the area had to offer– especially beach walks and sunsets. They loved visiting and hosting family and friends, spending most summers at Mary’s treasured childhood home in Winchester.

Mary embraced a varied active life of both mind and body. Swimming was her first love, but she also found joy in gardening, sewing, baking, reading, playing the piano, and listening to classical music. A lifelong learner, she was endlessly curious and eager to grow. She will be remembered for her radiant smile, warm heart, wisdom, zest for life, and most of all, the profound love she had for her family, especially the unmatched joy her grandchildren brought her.

She is survived by her children with Franklin Racey: Karen Dunsmore (Scott), Rory Ellis (Russell), and Andrew Racey; grandchildren Valerie Fournier, DVM (Alejandro), Michael Fournier (Loretta), Maxwell Ellis, Georgia Ellis, and Seth Kibler; and great-granddaughter Anistasia Lemaster.

Mary is preceded in death by her parents, husband and three siblings: Helen Thomas, Koula Baughman and John Kaknis.

The family extends special thanks to the staff at The Willows at Meadow Branch, Home Instead, and Blue Ridge Hospice for their dedicated care and support.

In her final years, Mary returned to Winchester, often walking through the gardens and halls of the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley where she found peace and beauty. Mary also valued the Red Cross learning center and commitment to aquatic safety programs.

Donations may be made in her honor to the MSV at jsweetapple@themsv.org or 540-662-1473, ext. 211 or American Red Cross, redcross.org/donate.

A visitation will be held on Monday, April 7, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., followed by an 11:00 a.m. service at Omps Funeral Home, Amherst Chapel, Winchester, VA. Interment at Mount Hebron Cemetery. Pastor Vernon Bray will officiate.