Marie Vavrik, 79, of Britt passed away Tuesday, September 5, 2006 at Hancock County Memorial Hospital in Britt. Marie was born September 25, 1926 to Josephine Monson and Roy Bragg.  She was adopted at a very early age by Albert Nelson, and after his death, was raised by Harvey Nelson, Sr. and her mother.  She grew up on a farm south of Britt with her two sisters and three brothers.  She received her education in the rural school near her home the first eight years and finished high school in the Britt School graduating with the class of 1944. Marie taught two years in country schools; the first year near Kanawha and the second the home school Erin No. 3.  She loved waitress work and worked in the cafes and restaurants in Britt. Marie was baptized and confirmed at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Britt where she was a member. On June 25, 1947 Marie married Robert Vavrik in St. Patrick Catholic Church.  She was the mother of five children. Marie is survived by four children: William "Bill" Vavrik and wife, Bonnie of Britt, Katherine Francis and husband, John of Britt, Thomas Vavrik and wife, Diane of Lewisville, Texas, Daniel Vavrik of Fort Madison; five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren: Kristie and Rodney Crowder and their children, Christopher, Hailey, Josh, and Jacob, Jennifer Knox and her son, Samuel, Shannon and Dan Love and their children, Jonathan and Madelyn, Jessica Vavrik and Marcus Vavrik; one sister, Edythe Huisinga and husband, Paul of Coconut Creek, Florida; two brothers: Bill Nelson and wife, Heddy of Britt, Jim Nelson and wife, JoAnn of Grand Junction, Colorado; sister-in-law Nancy Nelson of Britt, numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; the father who raised her, Harvey Nelson, Sr.; son Robert Vavrik, Jr.; sister Irene "Polly" Drabek and husband, Raymond; brother Harvey "Mick" Nelson, Jr. and husband, Robert Vavrik, Sr.