Noel E. Kujawski

Noel Kujawski, age 74, of Eagan. Passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Oct. 24. Survived by sons, Dan (Kristin) and Tony (Michelle); granddaughters, Sophia and Nora; sister, Pat; and many relatives and friends. Preceded in death by husband, Jack; and parents, Chester and Mildred Blizil.

Noel Eleanor Kujawski was born Noel Eleanor Blizil on December 19th , 1948 to Mildred and Chester Blizil at St. Barnabas Hospital in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Named after her kindred spirit, “Aunt Ellie” Noel was mentored to overcome her diminutive and sickly nature and was determined to not be judged by her size from a young age. In the mid 1950s, Chet’s career transferred the family to Wellington, Kansas. After spending much of her childhood in Kansas, the family was transferred back to the Twin Cities, but it was determined that elder sister, Patricia, would stay behind to finish her last year of High School. The family eventually settled in Richfield, Minnesota, where she developed a close kinship with Peggy Kujawski and Judy Merriman.

After her graduation from Richfield, she travelled north to attend a florist program in Brainerd, Minnesota. After achieving her certification, she soon found herself back home, where Judy arranged a blind date with Peg’s older brother Jack. After a short courtship, the two were married on December 27th, 1969 bringing her into the fold of the Kujawski clan. With a simple “I do,” she gained three brothers (Don, Paul, and Bill) and four more sisters (Peggy, Celia, Janene, and Anita). Shortly thereafter, two sons arrived – Daniel in 1970 and Anthony (Tony) in 1973. Noel discovered a passion for dogs and obedience training when she realized that a woman of her stature needed to learn how to control the 90 lbs. German Shepard (Rikki) that had become the family pet. Soon after, her famous affiliation with the Animal Inn Training School became legendary. This, and her discovery of the Border Collie breed led to not only a busy schedule of shows, competitions, and breeding – but also the development of a wealth of trusted companions, and deep friendships that continue to this day.

As the years passed, Noel got to experience the marriages of her sons. First, Dan to Jenni in 1997; next, Tony to Michelle in 2000; and finally, Dan to Kristin in 2005. Eventually granddaughters followed. Sophia was born to Dan and Kristin in 2006 and Nora to Tony and Michelle in 2012. Noel’s
later years were filled with family, friends and travelling. She was revered for her annual Christmas Tree Hunting Party, her devotion to her many dogs, and caring for her husband in his waning years. Jack died in the fall of 2015, but she continued her adventures with trips to Spain, Ireland, Mexico, Florida, and finally with her favorite travelling companion – Paul, to England and Scotland in April 2023.

Noel was diagnosed with a degenerative genetic liver condition in her early seventies. After a few years of struggling with the effects of this condition, she entered hospice care in early October with sisters-in-law (Janene and Anita) carrying the burden of this time. A blessing in disguise, as friends, relatives, and neighbors had the opportunity to visit and brighten her last days. Noel Eleanor Kujawski finally succumbed to her condition at 9:23 PM on October 24th, 2023. She spent her final moments with caregivers at her side and her two sons holding her dearly while her granddaughter Sophia sang “Touch the Sky.”