Marie B Jurlin
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Marie B. Jurlin February 3, 1937 - January 3, 2022, Marija (Marie) Blazenka Branica was born to Mate and Jerka Branica on the small island of Zlarin, off the Dalmatian Coast of Croatia on February 3, 1937, joining her brothers Goyko and Ante. She enjoyed a simple and beautiful life until, at age six, it was uprooted by war. Her father, Mate came to America before she was born in search of a better life for him and his family, during which time the war was expanding and America became involved. He joined the United States Army which eventually led to becoming a US citizen. It would be 10 years before he could send for his family and bring them safely home, free of the devastation of war.
Marie traveled by ship across the Atlantic with her mother and brother, Goyko (sadly they had lost Ante to a drowning accident 8 years prior) landing in Ellis Island on March 17, 1947. The trip was grueling and uncomfortable, but Marie always recounted that moment when she first saw the Statue of Liberty that held the promise of freedom and safety. From there, they took a train across the country to Los Angeles, CA where the family was reunited and 10-year-old Marie laid eyes of her father for the very first time. Her mother, having to uproot her children and the only life they knew, required an inner strength of character and deep faith that Marie would inherit and draw from the rest of her life. That strength would show itself first by her diligent work of mastering the language and customs of the United States; so much so, that by the time she graduated from Mary Star of the Sea High School in 1955, she had no trace of an accent. She acquired a love for the English language and reading became a constant companion and joy.
Marie married Nicholas Jurlin on September 1, 1956. He was a commercial fisherman whose career took him away from home for long stretches of time. Again, Marie used that strength to maintain the household and raise their three children, Camille Marie, Joanne, and Nicholas Anthony. In 1973, the family moved to Gig Harbor to follow the salmon industry in the Pacific Northwest and Marie worked alongside Nick, keeping books, and even working as the galley cook for several seasons when he ran a salmon tender in Alaska.
A master at knitting and needlework, Marie's hands were never idle. She left behind many beautiful treasures that will be cherished. She loved our country and never missed her opportunity to vote, knowing the privilege it was. In addition, she was a member of the "10-Gallon Club" with the Red Cross having faithfully donated blood with her best pals for years. She also became an expert at baking the Croatian bread and cookie recipes passed down by her mother and often recalled some of her favorite summer days sharing life with her daughter in law, Julie while their husbands fished in Alaska. Marie came to a deep and unshakable faith later in life and became a member of the Fox Island Alliance Church where she enjoyed many years of friendship, fellowship, and service.
In 2015, she made the decision to move to Ellensburg, WA to be near her daughter Joanne and family. She loved the changing seasons and beautiful valley of Ellensburg, considering it her forever home. Marie became a member of Mercer Creek Church where again she joyfully served. She especially cherished Tuesday mornings where she shared sweet fellowship and bible study with a beautiful group of women.
To know Marie was to know she loved her Seahawks and Mariners and rarely missed a game. She also relished a good debate, had a witty sense of humor, and could beat most anyone at her favorite pastime of playing cards. Marie was preceded in death by her parents, both brothers and her husband Nick. She is survived by her three children Camille Hutchison (Michael), Joanne Fevergeon (Mark), Nicholas Jurlin (Julie), and 6 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren who she adored beyond measure.
We would be remiss in the recollection of Marie's life without stating her extension of generous love to whoever she met. She loved unconditionally and your life was better for having been known and loved by her. We will show our love and gratitude in return with a celebration of her life in late spring.
Suggested Memorial Remberances may sent in Marie's name to: Hospice Friends 302 E 2nd Avenue, Ellensburg, WA 98926 or Wounded Warrior Project PO Box 758516 Topeka, KS 66675-851.
Brookside Funeral Home is caring for the family.