Patricia Doris Briggs Mager

Patricia (Pat or Patty) Doris Briggs Mager, you came into this world October 22, 1939, as a beautiful, blue-eyed blonde and immediately had your daddy, Don Briggs, wrapped around your finger. You left an impressive legacy when God called you home on March 4, 2017 – spouse, mother, grandmother, aunt, friend, and educator.

Growing up on a farm in rural Portales, New Mexico, you and your sister, Donna Briggs Trollinger, milked cows and weeded fields. You developed a work ethic that was second to none. Through hard work and the help of your mother, Maurine Chumbley Briggs, you also began developing the communication skills that would one day make you one of the best English teachers in the country.

Your love for theater and writing was evident during your early years at Portales High School. You even rubbed elbows with one of the greatest actors of our time, Ronnie Cox, as you graduated from high school and began attending college at Eastern New Mexico University.

It was during your time at Eastern that you met a 6-foot-4-inch airman from Redfield, South Dakota who was stationed at Canon Air Force Base in Clovis. A short time later, Robert Adolph Mager would ask you to marry him and one of the greatest love stories began, spanning almost 6 decades.

It was also during your time at ENMU that your desire to become a mother became increasingly stronger. First to come was Erik. He surprised you and your college classmates when he decided to start entering this world during one of your final exams. Then came Donavan, who had the same love for writing as you. Jon, Lucinda and Austin followed, all with their own unique gifts. Your love for them was unquestionable; you and Robert raised independent-thinkers who weren’t afraid to express their opinions, are leaders, and give back to the communities where they live and work.

After college, you found your calling as an educator. You brought excitement to the classroom and made learning fun, teaching students from elementary to college graduates. You changed lives with your passion. One student honored you by becoming a teacher herself. Another said she would have never conquered writing without your help. The testimonials are many; your impact on their lives is immeasurable.

You battled your illness to the end with courage, humor and a never-give-up attitude. Your reunion in heaven with Hootchie, Mersie, Donna, Ronnie & your son, Jon must have been a great celebration. We are glad your pain is gone and that you are with loved ones. Unfortunately, our hearts are broken. We will miss you!