Nalezny, Mary Ann (Kielb)

Age 93, a resident of St. Therese/Woodlake of New Hope, MN passed away peacefully on the day after her 93rd birthday surrounded by her family on November 11, 2024.

Born to immigrant Polish parents, Mary Ann could read, write and translate the Polish language her entire life.  She graduated, in 1949, from Edison High School in NE Minneapolis. As a young woman she competed as a speed skater for the Minneapolis Park system and was a charter member of the Dolina Polish Folk Dancers where she was recently honored at their 75th Anniversary of the group.

She was married on October 15, 1955, to Frank Nalezny.  From that union they were blessed with 11 children, 7 daughters and 4 sons.  Mary Ann worked 34 years in the health care industry in Moose Lake, MN and Minneapolis, retiring at age 74. She then volunteered as a surrogate grandmother to help young students improve their reading skills at Willow River Elementary School.

She will be remembered for her kind and generous heart, the large family she loved deeply and unconditionally, her connection to neighbors and friends of Willow River, MN and St. Therese/Woodlake Sr. Living Community. Mary Ann always enjoyed coffee and breakfast with friends and family especially having potato pancakes with crispy edges and applesauce at Perkins; also watching golf, tennis, Hallmark movies, sewing and crocheting.  She loved to play cribbage, 500, Bingo and other games with family and friends to keep her mind sharp.

Preceded in death by her parents Valentine and Sophia Kielb, her husband Frank, son Richard and brother Ted Kielb.  She is dearly loved and missed by daughters, Diane Nalezny (Lance), Rosanne Lundeen (Jim), Joanne Nalezny, Fran Nalezny, Kathrine Hoien (Mark), Susanne Tillman (Roger), Mary Vogt (Leo); Sons John Nalezny (Brenda), Thomas Nalezny (Laurie) and James Nalezny.  Also, by many grandchildren and great grandchildren who will miss their G'ma and GG dearly, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, November 18, 2024, at 11 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Willow River, MN and inurnment immediately following Mass at St. Mary's Cemetery in Willow River.  Lunch to follow at St. Mary's Center.  Visitation 10 - 11 a.m. prior to Mass. Arrangement made by Hamlin-Hansen-Kosloski Funeral Home, Moose Lake, MN.