Mary Nelson

mary nelson

Mary Rose Nelson, 83, a refreshingly honest, gracious, and loving woman, died on Sunday 22 June 2014 in Fargo’s Sanford Hospital. Mary was born on 27 February 1931 in the Fargo home of her parents, Emil and Rose (Kunza) Moreau.

Mary attended parochial and public schools in Fargo.  She worked at a variety of jobs including painting for her dad, the lunch counter at the S.S. Kresge store in downtown Fargo and the Manchester Biscuit factory. She met and then married Don Nelson in 1950 in Moorhead. Together Don & Mary raised their family of five children in West Fargo, where Mary rolled lefse for years and where all their children graduated from high school.

Mary faced many challenges in her life. Fifteen years ago a fall down the steps of her home left her with a 5 % chance of survival.   She surprised everyone with her recovery and ever since she was more determined than ever to enjoy life, and to be someone important in the lives of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, and to reconnect with both near and long ago friends.

Mary had amazing wisdom and was often asked for advice in time of need by friends and family. She was especially great with her grand children showing incredible patience and ability to connect on a personal level. She was truly an incredibly loving, kind, good-natured, compassionate, selfless person who was loved by her family and friends.

Mary enjoyed garage sales, sewing, craft projects, bingo, uno, watching her favorite shows on TV (Days of our Lives), collecting family pictures, and most of all family gatherings.

Mary is survived by her children, Larry (Jackie Marler)Nelson; Sue (Rod) Ballinger, both of Fargo; Linda (Don) Rodgers of West Fargo; Gene (Donna) Nelson of Spokane, Wash.; Kristi (Dallas) Meyer of Otter Tail, MN; grandchildren, Chase Ballinger, Sean Ballinger, Karli (Taylor) Moch, Cassie Rodgers, Tessa Nelson, Lindsey Garolafo, Morgan Rose, and Dylan & Hunter Meyer; great grandchildren Emma, Ashley, Conner, Chloe  and numerous Moreau, Conner, McLaughlin nieces and nephews and friend Marie and special friend Duwayne Engness.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her siblings Harry, Harvey, Irene McLaughlin, and Jeannette Conner, grandson Matthew Rodgers, and her husband Don.

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