Bernice Boos, 90

Bernice Kelly Boos, 90, died January 13, 2012 at Prairie Senior Cottages in Alexandria.

Bernice was born in DeGraff on December 21, 1921, the daughter of John Benedict and Grace (Clifford) Byrne. She grew up in that area and graduated from Murdock High School. She was united in marriage to Mark Kelly in 1942. Mark then went into the military service.

Upon being honorably discharged, Mark and Bernice settled in Brandon and began raising their family. On January 7, 1959, a fire destroyed the Kelly home and in the process claimed the lives of Mark Kelly, age 39, and all five children, James 15, Patrick 14, Dennis 12, Mary Lee 10, and Peggy 2. Bernice escaped serious injury as she went for help while her husband tried to rescue the children.

Bernice moved to St. Cloud to live with her sister, Rose, and began working at the St. Cloud Hospital. She met and married Don Boos of St. Cloud and the couple moved to Van Nuys, California in the early 1960s. Mr. Boos passed away and Bernice moved back to the Alexandria area four years ago. During her 40 years in California, Bernice worked as a cook in a restaurant.

She is survived by her brothers, Don (Agnes) Byrne of Millerville, Joe (Florence) Byrne of Alexandria; sister, Ann Gardner of Spokane, Washington; many nieces and nephews; sisters-in-law, Sister Kathleen of Little Falls, Marian Kelly of Osseo, Loreen (Elmer) Reber of St. Joseph, and Rosalinda Kelly; and a brother-in-law, Jerry (Sharon) Kelly of Buffalo.

Bernice was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Mark Kelly and Don Boos; five children; brothers, Ray, Jack, Jerry, Bill and Clarence; sister, Rose Ledermann; brothers-in-law, Austin Kelly and Mickey Kelly; and sister-in-law, Winnie Glatzel.

A Memorial Mass was held for Bernice on Saturday, January 21 at the Church of St. Ann in Brandon with the Rev. Leroy Scheierl officiating. Inurnment was at the church cemetery.

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

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