Jeanne Bujalski Kelly

Jeanne Bujalski Kelly passed away on Aug. 12 at the age of 90. She died in her home under the care of Hospice. She was born in Bordulec, ND in 1927 to Gladys (Magney) and John (Jack) Bujalski, the first of six children. She grew up on the Soo Line Railway, living in Loretto, MN; Carrington, ND; Hankinson, ND; and Rogers, ND. She attended school in Carrington, moved to Hankinson where she attended St. Francis Academy through 4th grade and then moved to Rogers, ND where she graduated from high school in 1945, valedictorian in her class of three. She attended the Cadet Nurse Corps for one year in Valley City, developing a lifelong interest in the workings of the human body. She moved to Fargo where she met and married Lawrence (Larry) Leonard Kelly Oct. 8, 1949. Together, they had six children. In 1962, they separated permanently, never divorcing. She and the children moved to Harvey, ND where she taught singing at St. Cecilia's School and played the organ for St. Cecilia's Catholic Church. She participated in Catholic Daughters, Band and Chorus Mothers, and her children's activities. In 1971, she moved to Fargo, ND with her three younger children to start college at NDSU at the age of 44. After graduating in 1976, she worked for Vocational Rehabilitation for one year before being hired at the Fargo Public Library. She ran the bookmobile for ten years and then started the first library-based adult literacy program in North Dakota, retiring in 1995. She was also an active member of Soroptimist of Fargo, a women's service organization. After traveling the US alone for five months by car, she returned to Fargo. Her favorite job, between ages 70 and 80, was lunch room supervisor at Ben Franklin Jr. High. How she loved her "Ben Boys and Girls," who called her "Grandma." She was also able to travel the world with her only sister Marian Vassar. One of the highlights of her life was her life-long relationship with the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mother. She was grateful for the many years of their spiritual friendship and guidance. She became an Associate in 1990 and eventually made a perpetual commitment. In 2008, she moved to Sunrise North where she enjoyed socializing, working jigsaw puzzles, and playing cards with her community-family. She celebrated her 90th birthday this past July with many friends and relatives. Jeanne (pronounced Jean) is preceded in death by her parents, her brothers David and Paul Bujalski, and her husband Larry. She is survived by her sister Marian Vassar (Genoa, NV) and brothers James (Judy) Bujalski (Colorado Springs, CO) and Jack (Rachel) Bujalski (San Antonio, TX); six children: Michael (Diana) Kelly, Minot, ND; Terri Kelly Barta, Lisbon, ND; Paul (Debbie) Kelly,Papillion, NE; and Mary Kelly, Maureen Kelly Jonason (Martin), and Joseph D. Kelly, all of Fargo; 16 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. Visitation at Boulger Funeral Home is Tuesday, 5-7pm followed by a prayer service at 7pm. The funeral mass will be at Nativity Catholic Church 1pm, Wed. Burial will be Thurs. in Harvey, ND St. Cecilia Cemetery at 1pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Presentation Sisters Housing fund, Hospice, or the charity of your choice.