Margaret Mary Prijatel

Marge Prijatel October 5, 1920 – March 10, 2019 Born in Pueblo Colorado, nicknamed Migs was the fourth of five children. Father (Samuel Burin) a fisherman who often traveled the world’s oceans and mother (Teresa Kozjan Burin) who raised the children and assisted her mother who was the community midwife. Mom’s Grandmother also delivered her and her future husband Coach Phil Prijatel. She married her childhood friend and sweetheart in 1941. After WWII they moved to Gunnison Colorado where dad attended college (mom majored in Homemaking, was a drum majorette & spruced up their married student living quarters.) After graduating Western State College they settled in Olathe, (Colorado) a rural farm community, where Coach landed a coaching and teaching job. Migs hosted homemade dinners for the football and wrestling teams and their families—and was famous for her meatballs and spaghetti. She was Coach’s wife and did it right! Attending each and every game and match she cheered with favor when a point was won or verbalized her disgust if the ref made a bad call. Dad fished, and hunted food for us and mom cleaned & prepared. Our humble home had seasonal meals of pheasant, venison, trout, canned veggies & fruits and the usual Friday dinner of creamed tuna on toast. Chicken at the grocery store was expensive so she managed to lop-off the head of chickens (with an axe on a tree stump) pluck the feathers and create another family favorite…chicken soup with homemade egg noodles. When our family relocated to SLO, mom became involved with the Old Mission’s group The Young Ladies Institute, YLI. She was a proud member and usually made the table decorations and corsages for special events. When it disbanded she became a member of the Catholic Daughters group. She was involved with her family’s hobbies; always present for school functions and often made costumes for plays. If you were lucky to be a student at Hawthorne Elementary School and have Marge as a room mother…you especially loved Easter. One year she made each student a sugar Panoramic Egg with their name meticulously written with icing. Another year she handmade chocolate-coconut bird’s nests with tiny egg shaped jelly beans nestled inside. We kids enjoyed her homemade holiday desserts especially Potica bread; a labor intensive delight containing fresh ground walnuts that we, as a family-project, cracked and cleaned—the dining table has tiny pits and dents reminding us. Later in life her favorite was Potica Cake and Friendship Cake that she frequently brought to events and to appreciative friends. If you didn’t have family to share holiday dinner—Mom made sure you were at our house. Marge also was a master seamstress & tailor and often made our clothes. She sewed beautiful suits, dresses, blouses, coats, etc., from patterns that she fashioned after seeing items in stores. If she could not afford to buy them…she created them. She occasionally made one-of-a-kind wedding headpieces with veils for brides and usually gifted them, cheerleading uniforms, prom dresses, wedding gowns, knitted and crocheted clothing as well. Mom handcrafted ceramics (lace dolls too) draperies, upholstered headboards, lamps and lampshades…you name it. Dad made the furniture, mom stained and finished it. In the late 50s, she took an upholstery class at old Camp Roberts, and soon we had chairs and couches that were reborn. We often referred to our home as Little-Hearst-Castle because people would drop by for a tour. Her many talents also included Eggery, painting, leather tooling and cake decorating. She enjoyed working at Law’s Hobby Shop, teaching Brazilian Embroidery, and other nifty projects. Marge was not flawless, and some friends tell stories of her being an aggressive driver or opinionated and headstrong. That very well could be the case in specific conditions. Mostly, she was loyal—a mother bear protecting her cub was nothing compared to Marge. If she got her dander up you knew it. She took very good care of us. Coach, until the day he passed, referred to her as “My Bride” and left her daily love notes, some will be buried with her. We always had a cooked breakfast before school and surprises in the lunch box—an orange with a single spiraling peel! Dinner was at 6, and you had better be there or call if you were going to be late—no ifs, ands or buts!! Our home was spit-shined and organized. We wore beautifully handmade clothes and had very clean elbows! Migs eventually became a resident at Bob and Corky’s one of SLO-town’s elder-care homes; where she was loved, cherished, and well taken care of. Words cannot express our gratitude!! B&C….The perfect place for a loving heart to be taken care of 24/7. Marge is survived by her daughter Debra Perkinson (Chris), Grandson Nicholas Murphy (Laura, Ethan, Lucas) Grandson Michael Prijatel, and Granddaughter Nicole Prijatel. Her husband Coach Phil Prijatel (Nov 5, 2010) and son Philip Prijatel Jr (Oct 15, 2016) are pre-deceased. We thank you Margaret Mary Cecelia Burin Prijatel for being a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Most importantly—a woman with a mission—family first. “Journey on Nana! Thank you for the love.” “Thank you for being my mother; I learned much and am a stronger woman because of you!” “Warm-hearted and kind to all, Grandma Marge was passionate about the details in her baking and crafts. People who attempted her recipes would complain that they just didn’t taste the same as when Grandma made them. Perhaps this missing ingredient was the joy with which she crafted her confections for the people she loved. I will forever remember her stories and the times shared with family through the holidays and summer visits. May she find comfort as she is reunited with her husband and son. Love you Grandma!” Three words describe her best…Determined, Resilient, Devoted. Arrangements are under the direction of Reis Family Mortuary

Margaret Mary Prijatel

October 5, 1920 - March 10, 2019