Margaret Hnatek, age 92, of DaCosta, passed away Monday, April 21, 2008. She was born Aug. 4, 1915, in DaCosta, to the late Joseph and Vlasta Shiller Hnatek. She was a granddaughter of John and Anna Jirasek Shiller, who were among the first Czech pioneers to Victoria County. Miss Hnatek was an elementary school teacher for 47 years. She taught four years in rural Fort Bend County, nine years at DaCosta, and 34 years at Bloomington Elementary School. She retired in 1984. Miss Hnatek received her bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Texas and a Certificate in Bilingual Education from Texas A&I University. In 1970, she was honored as "Teacher of the Year" by the Bloomington Athena Study Club and in 1973 she was nominated by her principal as an "Outstanding Elementary Teacher of America". She was a member of the Victoria County Retired Teachers Association, life member of Texas State Teachers Association, life member of SPJST, Lodge No. 32, Shillerville Cemetery Association, and Ladies Auxiliary of DaCosta Fire Department. Margaret is survived by her niece, Coach Jan West and husband Jimmy of Broaddus; nephew, Dr. Joe D. Hnatek and wife Lynn of Lubbock; sister-in-law, Fay Hnatek of Victoria; great-niece, Sarah Hnatek; great-nephews, Joshua, Caleb and Samuel Hnatek and John Franklin West; and special friend and caregiver, Joyce Burris. She was preceded in death by her parents; and brother, John O. Hnatek. Visitation will be held 5-7 p.m. Friday, April 25 at Colonial Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Saturday, April 26, 2008 at Colonial Funeral Home with the Rev. Gary Sides officiating. Burial will follow at Shillerville Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be Dr. Joe D. Hnatek, Joshua Hnatek, Jimmy West, Johnny Frank West, Bobby Wade, and Billy Nichols. Honorary pallbearers include the caring staff of Joyce's T.L.C., Clifford Townsend, Richard McCoy, Douglas Fleeman, Reinhart Schoener, Tony Koliba, Billy Buzek, Raymond Brandl, Gary Pribyl, Scott Townsend, and Eldon Spiegelhauer. Memorial contributions may be made to the donor's choice. Arrangements are with Colonial Funeral Home, 361-578-3535.