Mary Noah
February 4, 1928 ~ February 22, 2022
Mary's Funeral Mass can be viewed below:
Mary's Live Streamed Prayer Service can be viewed below:
Mary Teresa (Kelly) Noah, 94-year-old mother, grandmother, great grandmother, role model and wonderful inspiration passed away at her home in Fargo, North Dakota on Tuesday, February 22, 2022.
Mary Teresa Kelly was born on February 4, 1928, the eve of the Great Depression, to William and Loretta Kelly. Mary was the seventh of nine children predominately raised in East Grand Forks, Minnesota, by her mother after Mary’s father unexpectedly died when she was four years old. Though from a humble background, Mary’s mother insisted that her children attend Sacred Heart School, attend daily Mass, and she would end each day tucking her children in and saying ‘Good night and God bless you.’
Mary’s childhood was a fun but challenging time. Her mother always made sure there was food on the table and proved to be resourceful during those trying times, but it was a true sacrifice and testament to her faith that all of her children, including Mary, received twelve years of Catholic education. Great times were had by Mary when visiting her Aunt Gertrude’s (Gerty’s) farm with extended family, riding the manure dump truck, riding on small pigs, and singing with hired hands on the steps of the bunkhouse.
After graduating from high school, Mary went to business college and took several courses at the University of North Dakota. She then ventured out East, living in New Jersey and working in New York City for a year, which allowed her to attend several Broadway shows – instilling in her a lifelong passion for singing and dancing every day of her life. She returned home and worked several jobs prior to attending St. Mary’s College in Indiana, where she explored the possibility of becoming a nun and committing herself to a religious life. After her time in Indiana, Mary moved to Minneapolis, MN where she was employed prior to returning home to East Grand Forks.
Mary met the love of her life, John Noah, at a hockey game in March of 1951. They married in 1956 and started a family in Grand Forks before moving to Fargo, ND where they raised their eight children. Service was a large part of their lives and Mary and John were participants and founding members of numerous Catholic and Christian organizations and staunch supporters of all pro-life causes.
During her lifetime Mary enjoyed many wonderful friendships, particularly those with other mothers and parents who shared her adventures of raising a large family. She had a great sense of humor and was patient and kind (and always very Irish!). Although Mary contributed greatly to her community, the focus of her life was always her faith and her family. She had great appreciation and admiration for Bishop John Folda as the spiritual leader of the Fargo Diocese. Mary was a devoted and loving mother to her children, her grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She loved them unconditionally and had immense joy and pride in their many accomplishments. Mary’s legacy is her faith and her family.
Mary is survived by seven sons and one daughter, Matthew (Susan) Noah and their children, Joseph, Benjamin (Hope Evenson), Michael, Luke, Gabriel, Peter and Katherine; Lisa (Michael) Harvey and their children, Noah (Berit Wallevand), Samuel, Jacob and John (Sydney) Harvey and their children, Avery and William; David (Carla) Noah and their daughter, Rachel; Paul (Geneva) Noah and their children Bergen, Gianna and Jude; Mark (Gretchen) Noah and their children Margaret, Kelly, Mary, Mark and Katherine; Dr. Thomas (Kim) Noah and their daughters, Ellie, Sara and Drew; Andrew Noah and Christy Panther; and Christopher Noah and his daughter, Riley; as well as several beloved nephews, nieces, and godchildren. Mary was preceded in death by her husband, John Noah, and her brothers, William, Duane, John Vincent, Michael, Patrick and Robert; sisters, Adeline and Lorraine, as well as many other loved ones.
The family would like to express a very special thank you to Lisa and Michael Harvey who opened their home to our mother these last two years and to Mary’s granddaughter, Kelly Noah, and her grandson’s wife, Sydney Harvey, who were Mary’s primary caregivers over this time. Their loving care was a blessing and appreciated by us all. The family would also like to thank Dr. Greg Orson as well as the staff at Hospice of the Red River Valley for their wonderful care, particularly Nurse Hannah Osland and CNA Heather Renfrow. Donations in memory of Mary Noah may be made to the John and Mary Noah Endowment at the St. John Paul II Catholic Schools or the Women’s Care Center both in Fargo, ND.
Visitation will be at 5:00 pm at Boulger Funeral Home on Friday, March 4th, followed by the Prayer Service at 7:00 pm and then the Rosary. The Funeral Service will take place at noon on Saturday, March 5th, at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church.Livestream will be available at www.Boulgerfuneralhome.com.
Mary's Video Tribute can be viewed below:
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My deepest sympathies to the Noah family. I have fond memories of Four H with your Mother being the leader of the pack. She lived her faith and touched many lives. God bless all of you.
To all the Noah family, sincere condolences. What a wonderful part of herself that your mother/ grandmother left this world. Without a doubt, she is a part of me and will forever be the next door neighbor who shared so much coffee, conversation and love with my family. God bless you all as you celebrate her life and legacy. I am with you in spirit.
To Lisa Harvey & her brothers. I am so very sorry to hear of your mother Marys’ passing. Wishing you all comfort and peace in the days ahead. My best thoughts and deepest prayers with you and your family, my friend.
O’ what a wonderful woman she was. I grew up with the family as a classmate of Dave and my parents were very close to John and Mary. Although I was a bit different than the Noah children I will never forget how warm and welcoming Mary always made me feel. She possessed a sense of warmth and comfort to all that encountered her and I will never forget how she embarrassed me through out the years. This obituary only expresses a small portion of the great impact she had and she will forever live on in the many children she raised with her husband John. Please accept my deepest sympathies in this difficult time and I have and will say more prayers for her and the family. Sincerely, Mickie Schmith
Your parents were friends of my parents ( Burggraf’s) it was always fun to listen to the hockey stories and such…. Your parents were the “salt of the earth” kind of people. Deepest sympathies to your family when a cherished member of your family has gone “Home”.. She will be sorely missed! Hugs
Becky Burggraf Lommen and family
Sending hugs and having fond memories of your mom❤️
I was saddened to hear of the passing of Mary. She was such a lovely lady and neighbor. She was such a comfort to my husband Michael during his illness. I’m sorry I won’t be able to attend her funeral as I am in Arizona until mid March but I will be thinking of you all on Saturday and saying a prayer for peace and comfort for your family,
My life became blessed when I met the Noah Family, especially Chris. It is no secret that the family lived and breathed hockey and the whole UND/NDSU thing became a mainstay in many discussions between Chris and me, even though hockey was not a NDSU sport! Hearing some of the stories about raising a large family made me wonder how Mary maintained any sanity; however, she did and was mother extraordinaire who taught her children that God and family came above all else (well, maybe hockey was in that mix somewhere).
My prayers and thoughts are with each of you as you adjust to life without your mom, grandma, great-grandma. May your memories of her be cherished forever!
May The Road Rise UP to Meet You…An Irish Blessing
Twyla Collins Nielsen and Family
My deepest heartfelt condolence to the Noah family for your lose with the passing of MARY. I know she is on your mind and you have emotions of sadness. I remember all her perfections, All the pleasantries we had. I had 25 years in St. Anthony’s Parrish, 12 years of School with Paul and their has not been better leader and supporters of the catholic community. R.I.P. dearest Mary.
Sympathies to Mary’s family from George, Bernie, Natalie & Deidra Lies: fellow parishioners of St. Anthony’s parish. We will miss seeing Mary sitting up front by choir @ 5:15pm mass on Saturdays. Know that she is definitely in Heaven w/ our Lord 🙏…+
Heartfelt condolences to the family. Precious memories forever in your hearts. I so enjoyed working with Mary at the bazaar jewelry booth. God’s peace✝️
Noah Family,
I am so sorry for the loss of your mom/grandmother. Visiting with her at Eventide were great days for me. It brought up all the great times we had as kids especially the gatherings at your home and the Fitzgerald home. I smile when I think of her seeing your dad again. You have another angle watching over you. Prayers coming your way, 🙏
Shelly Blotsky Thompson
May you all find peace in the knowledge that Mary is with our Lord. God bless, Bryan Fredrickson and family.
As a teacher at St. Anthony’s, I always held Mary in the highest esteem. She raised incredible children that were an absolute joy to teach. In addition, Mary worked tirelessly to assure that funds were available for materials for the school. While raising a large family, she made time to volunteer many hours to the school and the church.
I hope that memories of Mary will remain strong in your hearts and that you will always hear her voice, remember her touch, and feel her love.
Susan Kolstad
Lisa and family, sending you love from Colorado and Pelican Lake. You are in our hearts and prayers. Cherilyn and Bruce Lampert
Mick and Lisa I was sorry to hear about Mary my thoughts are with you and your family love Clarence
My deepest condolences to the Noah family for the loss of your mother. She was such a remarkable woman and I always enjoyed my conversations with her when I’d run into her. She was one of the most kindest and caring persons I knew. I’ll never forget the many, many sleep overs and birthday parties at the Noah house during my elementary years in school. Matt and I attended school together from kindergarten at Carl Ben to our graduation from Shanley. Your family is my thoughts and prayers.
Sorry to hear of Aunt Mary’s passing, I was fortunate to be one of those numerous nephews. Mary preformed the equivalent of two or three hat tricks per day in bringing up the children. She and John set such a great example for the family. The care she was given by the family these last few years speaks to the type of mother she was. She will be dearly missed by many. As she used to say ” there are only two types of people in the world, those that are Irish, and those that wished they were!”
The Noah Family: We are sorry for your loss. Please accept our sincere condolances.
Jim and Mary Shaw
What a wonderful life to remember and celebrate. I remember visiting with Mary at Southwest Swimming Pool when I was a lifeguard and she would sit by the baby pool watching her kids. Must have been 1971 or 72. I also remember her and John being such good friends of my folks and such avid supporters of Catholic education. God be with you as you remember her and carry on without her physical presence!
We are so sorry to hear of Mary’s passing. She was a special person. We will never forget the Sunday morning gatherings at the Noahs preparing to leave for Crookston, Fergus Falls, Warroad or somewhere else. Sheer bedlam! Hockey equipment strewn all over the house, kids running in every direction and through all of this sat Mary. She was calmly sitting at the kitchen table taking in the chaos with a smile on her face. She had a positive impact on our family! Sorry we can’t be with you as we are in Texas.
Bob & Pepper Toussaint & family..
Dave
So sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. You and all your family are in my thoughts and prayers
Although I never got to know Mary Noah before her condition arose, she never let her condition get the best of her. She was always so wonderful to be around. When I came to see her after 11am daily, she was usually ready to get up. She loved getting her hair washed and always liked to look her best! Mary had such style, even when she was mostly at home. Getting her hair and makeup done was always a must! We had some really good conversations that made both of us laugh! She enjoyed listening to music when we were getting ready. Although if she was tired, she stated when she wasn’t in the mood. She loved to recline in her husbands old recliner, which was a nice green leather that he kept so nice. Any time Mary’s grandchildren would come around she was excitable. The days I found out baby William and Avery were coming over, her smile didn’t leave her face. She loved giving William his little kisses. She especially enjoyed when Kelly would come over for movie time or when Sydney would do her nails. She loved being spoiled and she even admitted this to me once! She always made my days better when I got to see her. Much love to Mary Noah’s Family! Especially a shout out to Lisa her daughter for always treating me like a part of the family! I will truly Miss Mary and everyone I had met during our time together.
I’m so sorry for your families loss, did not know her personally but through stories and going to school with Dave, admired her from afar! So sorry Dave, sending thoughts and prayers❤️
Becky (Kraft) Camas
Mary Teresa Kelly Noah, my Aunt and as son of her oldest brother Howard Kelly
I had the good fortune to know, to talk with, to be challenged, to friendly spar with and to
enjoy times with Mary when she lived or visited with her mother Loretta across the street.
My sister Karen and I are blessed to be her older niece and nephew so we helped out at the wedding to John and often enjoyed the conversations, experiences and life stories as their family came and grew when they visited Howard and Cleo Many comments by others have captured the spirit and character of Mary Teresa as a wife, mother, and grandmother.
Mary lived and shared a remarkable family life shaped and supported by two very
engaging role models- her mother Loretta Kelly and grandmother Adeline Trepanier
Bless Them All – They are together.
My prayers are with Mary and all of you. Love you!
Sincere condolences to the entire Noah family! We hope your memories will help as you grieve the loss of your mother and grandmother.
The Hageman family
My deepest condolences to all the Noah family. I remember your mom for sure. To Matt my classmate and Lisa who I knew best… hugs, prayers and May your mom be rejoicing in heaven with my folks. No doubt there’s a huge party in heaven. May she rest in Eternal Peace.
My sincere condolences !