Marion Bouzek Kelley

PRAIRIE DU CHIEN - Marion Bouzek Kelley, 80, who was born and raised in Prairie du Chien, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 6, 2022, at Poet’s Walk Memory Care Center in Fredericksburg, Va.

She was born on Jan. 28, 1942, the daughter of Edward and Emma (White) Bouzek. She was educated at St. John’s Elementary School, St. Mary’s Academy and Marquette University. She married Marc Kelley of Geneva, Ill., in 1964. They moved to New York City in 1965 and eventually settled in Cranford, N.J., where they raised three daughters and lived for 49 years.

Marion was an extraordinary mother who brought tremendous energy and creativity to that role. It was a labor of love throughout her life, one that grew as she eventually welcomed three sons-in-law and seven grandchildren.

Alongside her family responsibilities, Marion held a variety of jobs, including as a preschool teacher, ads manager for The Cranford Chronicle and as an executive secretary. She ended her career at the Wakefern Food Corporation, where she worked in the sales and customer service departments. She was a dedicated volunteer at the Community Food Bank of New Jersey and spent many weekends supporting Special Olympics programs.

Marion pursued a range of interests throughout her life, most notably as a competitive runner, a sport she took up in 1975. She ran three New York City marathons and competed at shorter distances well into her seventies. “Running was the best thing I ever did, besides having children,” she once said. She also loved gardening and was an active member of Cranford’s Green Thumb Garden Club.

In 2019 Marion and Marc relocated to Fredericksburg, Va., where they made a new home and found a new community of family and friends.

Marion is survived by her husband of 58 years, Marc; her daughters: Shannon Kelley (Mike Mendelson), Bridget Kelley (David Storey), and Tierney Kelley (Tim Robertson); and her grandchildren: Claire, Emily and Alice Mendelson, Hannah, Jack and Frances Storey, and Sasha Robertson. She is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Robert Bouzek.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, October 28, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at St. John’s Catholic Church in Prairie du Chien, officiated by Msgr. Charles Stoetzel. Friends and family may call on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at the church. Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery. The Martin Schwartz Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to The Community FoodBank of New Jersey.

Online condolences: martinschwartzfuneralhomes.com