Mary Beth Kelley

Kelley, Mary B. Loving. Lovely. Loved. Mary, age 69, of Wayzata, passed from a heart attack on October 9, 2021. She was preceded in death by her parents, Melvin and Anna Svela; and brother, Robert. A longtime TV executive producer/director at the U of M, she mentored countless students in the way she did everything else-with competence and kindness. Many of those students went on to excel in journalism and production. She produced numerous award-winning documentaries. She was the executive producer of Matrix, a 7-season series hosted by Peter Graves. When she needed a cameraman for a shoot in Mexico, she hired Mark Falstad, who would become her husband of 32 years. They loved to travel and did so extensively. San Francisco was her favorite place, and they went there often. They had been looking forward to many more trips together when she passed unexpectedly. LOVING. Mary loved her life, her family, and her friends. Few are lucky enough to have made the number of lifelong friends that Mary did. She was still close with pals from grade school at St. Joseph's in Hopkins and St. Margaret's High School in St. Louis Park. For more than 36 years, she treasured her Frostbite Falls book group for their reading and discussions, for the great food and wine-but mostly for the chance to gather with an incredible group of accomplished women. She took a year's sabbatical to volunteer answering the crisis hotlines at Chrysalis, a domestic violence center in Minneapolis. LOVELY. Mary battled MS for over 45 years but never let it define her, even while the disease was slowly taking so much away. She hated it when people called her inspiring, though there's no better word to describe her bravery and determination to live fully and joyfully. Her two service dogs, first Brinks and now Liam, were the lights of her life. She was an active supporter of Can Do Canines, grateful for the gift of independence they'd given her. Mary gave speeches and video presentations for the organization, demonstrating the extraordinary skills a service dog brings to the family. She also loved her cats, Cleo, Binky and Harriet, all of whom were there to greet her at the Bridge-with Brinks in the lead. Mary was simply the nicest person you would ever meet. She was beautiful in all the ways there are to be beautiful: Smart, talented, loyal, generous, compassionate, kind. She had a wicked sense of humor and a smile that lit up the room. Think of any positive adjective, and that was her, too. Don't forget the word "tough" for the many challenges she endured through her MS. With every right to complain, she just didn't. LOVED. Mary leaves behind a shattered husband, Mark Falstad; sisters, Kathleen (Chub) Koehler, Barbara (Arthur) Grachek; and brother, John (Diane) Svela; brother-in-law, Robert (Rita) Falstad; sister-in-law Jan Falstad; many nieces and nephews; and her beloved service dog, Liam. Her memorial service will be Saturday, November 6. Visitation at 1pm, service at 2pm, at Washburn- McReavy Chapel in Edina. Those fully vaccinated are welcome. Those who aren't or can't join us, can watch the live stream at: washburn-mcreavy.com (Click the obituary tab and search Mary's name. Click the photos & video tab on Mary's obituary page to view.) In lieu of flowers, memorials to Pacific Assistance Dogs Society in Vancouver, BC are preferred, pads.ca. Washburn-McReavy.com Edina Chapel 952-920-3996 West 50th St. & Hwy 100

Tributes

Mary Beth Kelley

January 17, 1952 - October 9, 2021

Tributes

Mary Beth Kelley

January 17, 1952 - October 9, 2021

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