Mary Jane (Shaver) Fountain, 81, of Burlington, passed away peacefully Thursday, January 8, 2026, at her home surrounded by family.
Mary was born in Ann Arbor, MI, to Mary Waalk and Roy Shaver and grew up in Cedar Rapids, IA. She married Charles Alva Fountain, and although they eventually divorced, they remained devoted parents who lovingly raised their five children together. Charles preceded her in death in 2011.
Mary attended Indian Hills Community College, where she earned her EMT-A, EMT-ID, and Licensed Practical Nurse certifications. She worked as an EMT for the Davis County Ambulance Service and served as a certified CPR instructor, helping train staff at Davis County Hospital and Davis Acres Care Center. As an LPN, she cared for countless patients with skill and compassion. She later worked as an auction clerk for Horn's Auction Service and as a custodian at both Davis County High School and Davis County Middle School.
Mary had a lifelong passion for helping others, especially older adults, and she found great joy in spending time with her grandchildren. Fishing was one of her favorite pastimes, and she spent much of her later life caring for, loving, and making memories with her grandkids-often with a fishing pole nearby.
She was preceded in death by her son Gary Olson; her grandson Kolten Fountain; her granddaughter Akrista Fountain; her sister and brother-in-law Sandra and Donald Rompot; her brother Leroy Shaver; her brother and sister-in-law Robert and Doris Newton; and her parents.
Mary is survived by her children: Tina (Chad) Lott of Burlington; Mark (Karen) Olson of Burlington; Laurie Fountain of Ottumwa; and Kandi (Jeff) Burris of Huxley. She leaves behind a large and loving family, including 14 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great-grandchildren, brothers Elmer "Al" (Becky) McCloskey of Florida, Kenneth (Sharon) Shaver of Iowa; and several nieces and nephews.
Her legacy lives on in the generations she nurtured, the people she helped, and the love she shared throughout her life. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
The family requests no flowers and memorials can be left to Transitions Homeless Shelter in Burlington.