"I wish I still remember her but I was just a baby- Xander Gard"
In loving memory of
Marisa Gard
February 10, 1987 - March 7, 2017
Marisa Elizabeth Gard
February 10, 1987 - March 7, 2017
While there are no words to truly capture the essence of our deeply beloved Marisa, nor enough space to thoroughly try, her love of words and penned expressions require an attempt in her honor.
On March 7th, the beautiful and incandescent soul of Marisa Gard departed us. She burned so brightly, illuminating our lives for her 30 years, that even with her passing, we will always have her light around and within us.
Marisa leaves behind a vast network of family & friends, who will always cherish & remember her, to include her parents Karen & Glen, siblings JoAnn & Catlin, Emily, Amy & Jeff, Pamela & Eric, Christie & Justinn, Tim & Melissa and Debra plus nephews Xander & Colton, nieces Ellie, Tayler, Kaitlyn & Michaela and girlfriend Amanda. Many more people among her extended family and chosen family enriched Marisa's life and she theirs in return.
To meet Marisa was to remember her, to know her was to love her and to be loved by her in return was a tremendous, tremendous gift. Marisa modeled unconditional love, a brilliant whirlwind of forgiveness, generosity and kindness.
Immensely talented, Marisa excelled at whatever she put her fierce intelligence and determination to. Her written words, soulfully sung and strung songs and adventurous spirit enriched many of our lives. She was not without her demons, but Marisa left us filled with joy and many, many plans. On any given day, one could find her cuddled up enjoying sweet treats over a Disney flick, cheering for the Seahawks, boarding down a snowy slope or simply being there, spending her time with those she loved.
Stories of Marisa's love and shenanigans will continue to be told for lifetimes to come, she made connections wherever she went and as the free spirit she was, she went far and wide. She simply, and thankfully for those left behind, is unforgettable.
And she would have had this rhyme, but we have neither her talent nor the time. We are blessed to still have her words, so remember...
I've loved you forever,
and you've loved me in return;
and always between us,
that fire will burn.