Marissa Ann Morgan

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Marissa Ann Morgan, our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, great aunt, niece, cousin, and friend who left us far too soon on Monday, December 16, 2024, at the age of 66. Marissa fought a long and unbelievably valiant battle with cancer and was determined to never give up. She demonstrated strength beyond anything we could have ever imagined. Born in Los Angeles, California, Marissa lived in several places over the years including Portland, OR, Sonoma, CA, Napa, CA, Mc Kenzie River, OR, Virginia Beach, VA and Lexington, SC. Marissa was the kindest, most thoughtful, compassionate, generous, and selfless soul we have ever known. She loved to laugh and had a fun and quirky sense of humor. She would never let you leave or hang up the phone without making sure you knew how much she loved you. She preferred not to say goodbye. She felt that it sounded too final. It was always “goodbye for now”. She would do anything to help anyone at any time. If we had pain, she would have pain. Her empathy toward others was astounding. She never met a dying plant that she could not save and was often brought “patients” that were on their last shred of life which she miraculously brought back to life. She was always on the hunt for treasures at antique shops or garage & estate sales searching for that special something that would be perfect for a loved one. Our family has rock collecting genes in our DNA and Marissa was the reigning queen. Not one of her family or friends are without at least one of the beautiful stones and crystals that she collected over the years. The one item on Marissa’s bucket list was to take a cross-country trip with her beloved pup, Sandy, in an RV from Sonoma, CA to her son’s home in Lexington, SC which she did this past September and October, stopping at every single rock and gem stand or store that we found along the way. The RV was significantly heavier by the time we arrived. The last two months of her life’s journey allowed precious time with her son and his treasured family at their home in Lexington, South Carolina. Marissa loved her family and friends so deeply and was tremendously proud of each of them. None of their achievements or events were too small for her to share with anyone that would listen. She adored them all, and every moment spent with them. Her passing has left a painful void in our world. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who loved her. Marissa, we love you with all our hearts. You have touched so many lives with your love and thoughtful ways. May you soar with the angels and find indescribable joy in reuniting with our loved ones that have gone before you. May your

beautiful and gentle spirit inspire kindness, generosity, and love in us all. You were truly an angel on earth. Sweet dreams sweet Marissa. Good bye….for now… The family would like to extend a special thanks to Marissa’s beloved friends Mandy, Martin, Suzie, John, Ron, and Sharon for all the help, support and love they provided to Marissa, especially during her illness. We do not know what we would have done without you. Marissa is survived by her son and daughter in law Justin & Ruby Gutierrez, Justin’s mother-in-law and friend, Safy, grandchildren Mahi, Honey, Jasmine & Adam, sister Rachelle, aunts Cricket, Linda, Jude & Karen, brother-in-law Carl, sister-in-law Robin, niece Jayme & her husband, Alex, great nieces Emilia & Alyssa, cousins Marla, Linda (Tia), Diane, Natalie, Becky, Tony, Ana, Jeana, Kristen, Joel, Brian, Theresa, Tim, Sean, Sherri, Lara, Joe, Patrick, Randall, Michael, Jeremiah, Miguel, Raymond, Angel and all of their respective families. She is preceded in death by her mother, Carol Blackwood, sister Ivah Restivo, brother Daniel Berning, husband Joe Morgan and fiancé Bill Wrobel. Marissa requested that, in lieu of a formal service, we all celebrate her with our families in our own way.