Mary Kelly
August 15, 1956 ~ July 3, 2022
Mary’s prayer service and funeral mass will be livestreamed below starting at 7 PM Thursday July 7, 2022 and 3PM Friday July 8, 2022.
Mary Katherine Kelly died July 3, 2022 of complications of diabetes and dementia. She was 65.
Mary was born August 15, 1956, in Fargo, the fourth child of Larry and Jeanne Bujalski Kelly. Mary moved with her mother and siblings to Harvey, ND to live with her maternal grandparents Jack and Gladys Bujalski, where she attended St. Cecilia Catholic School; she was Mary Kay in a class full of Marys. In 1971, the family returned to Fargo, and Mary graduated from Fargo North High in 1974. Mary’s life was full of laughter, tears, and above all else, children. She waitressed for twenty years before attending college as an older-than-average student, proudly graduating from MSUM with a degree in Early Childhood Education in 1994. She then spent twenty years as a devoted infant-and-toddler teacher, ending her career at Nokomis in 2015 when she became permanently disabled. Mary loved riding her bike and was an avid singer, active for 15 years in Sweet Adelines/Acapella Express and in church choir.
Mary never met an infant she couldn’t comfort, and some called her a “baby whisperer.” She believed fiercely in the innate intelligence of infants, and she worked hard to support their uniqueness and independence under her care. In turn, babies reciprocated her kind and loving acceptance; she absolutely loved her work taking care of others’ children.
She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents and paternal grandparents, John S. and Harriet Kelly, and her parents. She is survived by her siblings Michael (Diana) Kelly of Minot, Terri Kelly Barta of Lisbon, Paul (Debbie) Kelly of Omaha, Maureen (Martin) Kelly Jonason of Fargo and Joseph D Kelly of Fargo; 16 nieces and nephews; and her favorite person in the world, Jordan Holm.
Services
Visitation: July 7, 2022 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center
123 10th Street
Fargo, North Dakota 58103
7012376441
www.boulgerfuneralhome.com
Prayer Service: July 7, 2022 7:00 pm
Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center
123 10th Street
Fargo, North Dakota 58103
7012376441
www.boulgerfuneralhome.com
Visitation: July 8, 2022 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Nativity Catholic Church, Fargo
1825 S 11th St.
Fargo , North Dakota 58103
(701) 232-2414
https://www.nativitycatholicchurch.net/
Funeral Mass: July 8, 2022 3:00 pm
Nativity Catholic Church, Fargo
1825 S 11th St.
Fargo , North Dakota 58103
(701) 232-2414
https://www.nativitycatholicchurch.net/
I met Mary as we journeyed through Sanford Cardiac Rehab .
I very much enjoyed her friendship, wit, and humility. She was a lovely person to know.
She often spoke of her family and her mom. I am grateful that I met her.
May her family have peace.
My deepest sympathies thoughts and prayers to Mary’s family and friends. May she rest in heavenly peace. Last saw Mary at her mothers 90 birthday celebration.
My sincerest condolences. I have so many memories of growing up with your family. Being “one” of the Mary’s was also special. Did you know that , Mary and I, by chance, ended up being roommates at NDSU our freshmen year. What would the chances be?!
I will be having a mass said in Harvey, at St. Cecilias.
We worked together at Nokomis and she loved her little ones and they loved her. It was an honor to work with her.
I am grateful for the opportunity that I had to visit with her a while ago. She will be missed.