Sister Marie Fujan was born five days before Christmas and was named Mary Bell since she was deemed the new Fujan family Christmas bell. Sister Marie was the middle child of five with three brothers and one sister. Growing-up on a farm in Walnut Grove, Minnesota, to Bohemian parents, Frank and Marie Fujan, her childhood was robust and filled with chores, chickens and gardening.  One of her favorite childhood memories was playing football with her brothers. She remembers wearing her snow pants even in summer to protect herself from getting tackled in the backyard. Another special family memory was being a junior bridesmaid for her sister, Delores, who was eight years older. Sister Marie was very elated to be selected and adored the honorary blue hooped skirt dress for the special occasion.