Mary Elizabeth Cutaia, age 87, passed peacefully from this life to the next surrounded by her loving family on Monday, September 16, 2019. She was born in Leavenworth, Kansas to Everett Leo and Elizabeth Mary (Van Veghten) Porter on Monday, December 14, 1931. After graduating highschool, Mary moved to California and worked in an escrow office for a year. During this time, she was praying about her calling to the sisterhood. In 1951, she joined the sisters of charity and started her college career at St. Mary’s University in Leavenworth. Throughout her tenure as a college student, she attended Regis University in Denver, CO; Carrol College in Helena, MT; then returning to Leavenworth where she graduated in August of 1965 and began her work as a teacher in elementary education. After 20 years of being a sister, Mary decided that she could serve God and do her work for Him just as well outside of the sisterhood as she could inside and at nearly 40 years old, Mary found herself living and teaching in Dallas, Texas. One evening she was at a singles group gathering at the Catholic church, Mary caught the eye of a charismatic, full of life, fun loving widower, Leo Cutaia and he pursued her until she finally married him. A year later her life forever changed when she gave birth to her beloved son Vince. Mary continued teaching and even working as a substitute until she was 82 years old. She lived a fulfilling life of dedication to God first and foremost, and her family. Her family fondly remembers Mary’s dedication to the vows she took as a sister, and the love she gave to everyone around her. She is preceded in death by her parents Everett and Elizabeth Porter, husband of 17 years, Leo Cutaia, brothers Elmer Porter, Ed Porter and Larry Porter, sisters Anna Marie Porter Wasserman, Dorothy Porter Kempin and Theresa Porter Luton. Left to cherish her memory are son Vince Cutaia and wife Carrie; grandchildren Emma, Ivana, Julia and Trevor; Stepchildren MaryAnn Cutaia and Joe Cutaia; step grandchildren Stephanie and Matthew; brothers Leo Porter, Joe Porter and Johnny Porter as well as numerous very close nieces, nephews and other extended loving family and friends. The family would like to express a special thank you to Kandra with Encompass Hospice and the wonderful staff at Martin Crest. A special thank you to her nieces Andrea Piwonka and Jana Klein who stayed with Mary until the end. A mass of Christian Burial will at 10:00am on Wednesday, September 18, 2019 at Calvary Hill Mausoleum in the Chapel at 3235 Lombardy LN in Dallas with an interment at Calvary Hill Cemetery immediately following. The family request memorial donations to any Catholic charities of your choice.