Mary Mullen, 59

Mary Colleen Mullen, 59, died November 22, 2009 at Bethany Home in Alexandria.

Mary was born May 23, 1950 at Our Lady of Mercy Hospital in Alexandria; the oldest child of Philip and Elaine (Bruzek) Mullen. Mary was baptized at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Alexandria in June of 1950. She was one of the first babies to be baptized in the new stone church, now called the Great Hall. She received her first Holy Communion and Confirmation there, too. Her schooling took place in the Alexandria schools. She missed much school because of her bipolar mental illness. She was so proud to receive her G.E.D. certificate in spite of her hardships.

Mary was so very special to many of us. She worked hard, mowing lawns and helping others. Mary also liked to shop for cards and gifts. Her sports included going fishing with her father and driving snowmobile, which she purchased for herself. Mary lived in St. Cloud and some surrounding towns for 20 years. She lived in group homes there and learned special skills. Mary loved all flowers. While living in St. Cloud she was privileged to visit Munsinger Park often. One day Mary read an article in the St. Cloud paper of plans to build a rose garden there called the Virginia Clemens Rose Gardens. The Clemens family also provided six formal gardens for all people to enjoy. Mary spent many hours in those beautiful areas.

Mary lived at Bethany Home in Alexandria for two years and eight months, while receiving dialysis at this time, three times a week. We were so lucky to have her with us at this time.

She is survived by her parents, Philip and Elaine of Alexandria; sister, Anita Kay and husband Dale G. Anderson of Alexandria; nieces and nephews, Maureen and Randy Winger and their children, Gage and Madalyn, Dan and Kathy Anderson and their children, Jared and Trent; aunts and uncles, Verlyn and MayVis Bruzek and their children, Stacy and Sandeepan Banjeree, Brenda and Bob Jespersen and Chad Bruzek; Carol Mullen and family, Michael and LaWana Mullen and family, Patsy and Tom Waggoner and family, and Lori and Ryan Hovey and family; and special friend, Andrew Preusser.

Mary was preceded in death by her grandparents, Richard and Florence (Wray) Mullen and Wencil (Jim) Bruzek and Mildred (Malmberg) Bruzek; and uncle, Eugene Mullen.

A special thank you goes out to all of Mary’s caregivers and the understanding and caring people at dialysis and to her family and friends. She will be missed.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Wednesday, November 25 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Alexandria with the Rev. Steve Binsfeld officiating. Interment was at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Alexandria. Casket bearers were Chad Bruzek, Brenda Jespersen, Tom Waggoner, Michael Mullen, Randy Winger and Daniel Anderson. Honorary casket bearers were Andrew Preusser, Kathy Solberg and the staff at dialysis and Bethany Home.

Arrangements are with Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria; www.andersonfuneral.net.

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