Mary Jean Kelly (1943-2013) Jean Kelly passed from this life Sunday November 10 in her home after spending the present year fighting a gallant life's battle. She was born June 16, 1943 in Mankato, Minnesota. She attended and graduated from Good Council Academy, Mankato State College and the University of Northern Iowa. The majority of her 33 years of teaching was kindergarten in the Cedar Falls public schools. To those who knew her, she was the consummate early childhood educator who helped build the all-day every day kindergarten program in the Cedar Falls public schools. She worked with Dr. Judy Finkelstein developing supportive early childhood curriculum, which was used by teachers across the state and country. Jeanie retired after 33 years of teaching and became very active with her local TTT chapter, St. Stephen the Witness Student Center, Sartori Hospital, the UNI Connection, AAUW and several book clubs. Jeanie had a positive mantra by which she lived. She purported that in the morning when she got up, she could choose to be sad or happy. Her always present smile told the story that she never chose sad. With the many life battles with her health that she had to fight, it was her marvelous sense of humor and her never wavering love of God that held her steadfast to meet the challenges of a new day. She always graced conversations with positive support suggesting that it is better to help than hinder. Knowing Jeanie was to know that she had three important loves in her life: her family, her friends, and the children that she taught. Jeanie and her husband Jim celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this past October 19. They have two daughters: Betsy Peterson of Cedar Falls and Nikki Hudnutt (Curt) of St. Charles, Missouri. They have eight grandchildren: Ben, Natalie, Josh, Nick, and Sofie Peterson; Austin Goreham, and Jacob and Mia Hudnutt. Jeanie is survived by two brothers: Bob (Kathy) of Mankato, Minnesota, Bill (Barb) of Wilmar, Minnesota, and two sisters: Donna (Wade) Krohn of Kasota, Minnesota and Cathy (Keith) McCarney of Redwood Falls, Minnesota. She was preceded in death by her parents Robert and Helen Dale of Mankato, Minnesota. A wake (visitation) will be held at St. Stephen the Witness Student Center on Thursday, November 14 from 4 - 7:00 p.m. A vigil will follow to celebrate her life. Funeral services will be held at St. Patrick Catholic Church at 11:00 a.m. with visitation one hour before. A reception follows the service. Inurnment will be held in northern Minnesota at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Cedar Valley Hospice, St. Stephen the Witness Catholic Student Center and the Kabekona Lake Foundation. Condolences may be left at www.DahlFuneralHome.com
