Marvel M. Pryor

Marvel M. Pryor died peacefully on March 11, 2025 at the age of 90. Marvel Lee was born in Moorhead, MN to parents Melvin and Magdalen (Sebestel) Lee. She spent her life enriching the lives of those around her with warmth, curiosity, generosity and unwavering faith.

Marvel married Paul Pryor in 1958. They met on a blind date when Paul was a Junior at the St. John's University and Marvel was a senior at the College of St. Benedict where she graduated with a bachelor's degree in education. She taught fourth and fifth graders in Ada, Fergus Falls and the Catholic School in Redwood Falls. Marvel also enjoyed 17 years of service as a charter employee of the Redwood Falls Hospital Adult Daycare department where she made lifelong friends.

An active Catholic, and lifetime member of St. Catherine's Catholic Church, she volunteered for 20 years in the CCD religious education program where she helped the Benedictine nuns for 10 years who worked in our parish. She was an active member of the Catholic Women's Society (CCW). She was also a pioneer volunteer of the Redwood Area Food Shelf and later the Share the Spirit program.

A kind and generous mother, and an excellent cook, her Sunday dinners at the lake cabin were a highlight of the week. She had a special recipe including roasting pork and beef roasts together, that made the best gravy. She was lovingly referred to as the "neighborhood mom," where home was a place where kids would gather to enjoy her legendary scotcharoo bars, cookies and other treats.

Marvel had an insatiable sweet tooth enjoying rice crispy bars, cookies, and cake for breakfast, never gaining an ounce. She shared her love of chocolate with her grandkids sending them boxes of goodies at college, which they cherished.

An adventurer, Marvel loved to travel. She traveled to Europe seven times visiting many Catholic shrines and touring beautiful cathedrals. She also visited The Holy Land, Medjugorje, Lourdes, Spain, the Swiss Alps, Germany, Rome and Canada.

In retirement she enjoyed fun years in Mesa, AZ with Paul, where she loved shopping for great deals, purchasing many cherished gifts for her family over the years.

She is survived by her five children Joseph (Laura) of LaCrosse, WI, Anne of Hutchinson, MN, Michael (Mary) of Eloy, AZ, Patrick of Minnetonka, Matthew (Jill) of Lancaster, SC, grandchildren, Andrew, Madeline, and Mariel Pryor, three brothers Loren (Yvonne), David (Gloria), Roger (Joan) Lee and special nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her parents, husband Paul and sister Carol Lee.

Donations preferred to the Redwood Area Food Shelf, 500 E. Bridge St. #5, Redwood Falls, MN 56283, the Redwood Area Education Foundation in support of Marvy's Pantry and Marvy's Buddy Benches, 100 George Ramseth Dr. Redwood Falls, MN 56283 or a cause of your choice. Special thanks to CentraCare Hospital and Hospice and Garnette Gardens staff.

A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating her life will be held on Saturday, March 15, 2025 at 12:00 P.M., with visitation at 11:00 am. at St. Catherine's Catholic Church, 900 East Flynn Street, Redwood Falls, MN. All are invited to the luncheon following the Mass and the burial in the St. Catherine's cemetery. Live stream broadcast: https://www.youtube.com/@LOWAFC/streams .

The Nelson-Hillestad Funeral and Cremation Service of Morgan and Redwood Falls are in charge of the arrangements. E-mail condolences may be sent via www.nelson-hillestad.com.

Blessings on you Mom.