MARY LEE VELK, Obituary

Mary Lee Velk, 64, of Havre died Friday, Nov. 15, 2002, surrounded by her loving family, after a brief but courageous bout with cancer.

She was born June 22, 1938, in Malta to Cecil and Edna Bigwood. Mary Lee graduated from Malta High School then became a Pan Am Flight attendant. She

then attended Northern Montana College and graduated with a teaching degree.

While teaching she met and married Rayburn "Pete" Velk on Dec. 22, 1960. Pete and Mary Lee raised four children on the family farm north of Havre.

Mary Lee was a devoted wife, a fabulous mother and grandma and a great friend. She enjoyed being outside and working in her garden. A large part of her life was listening and giving to others.

Mary Lee was preceded in death by her parents.

Mary Lee is survived by her husband, Pete Velk of Havre; sister, Beth Seel of Malta; sons, Mark (Kemi Owens) Velk of Havre and John (Rene Enebo) Velk of Missoula; daughters, Lisa Velk (William) Buseman of Missoula and Laura Velk (Curtis) Owen of Big Sandy; and 10 grandchildren.

A prayer vigil service will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday at St. Jude Catholic Church. Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday St. Jude Catholic Church with the Rev. Robert D. Grosch officiating. Burial will follow at the Highland Cemetery. After the graveside services, a luncheon will be served at the St. Jude Parish Center.

Memorials in Mary Lee's honor may be made to The Shriners, c/o Algeria Shrine, P.O. Box 4879, Helena, MT 59604; The Gift of Life, P.O. Box 7008, Great Falls, MT 59406-7008, or a memorial of one's choice.

Services and arrangements are under the direction of Holland and Bonine Funeral Home.