About Marina
Marina was known for her exuberant enthusiasm. She was also known for going barefoot — even in snow! — and loving the color orange. She was happiest being outside in all kinds of weather and was particularly fond of the smell of the trees in New Hampshire, where she moved when she was 10. Marina loved running, especially outdoors, on roads and in the woods. She was passionate about everyday pleasures.
Marina delighted in people. She often embraced those she met with a hug as if they were the most important person in the world. She also quietly reached out to those who might need some attention or warmth — the new kid in school, the person eating lunch alone. She showed through her actions that she cared deeply about helping people, from shaving her head to raise money for children with cancer, to traveling to South America to work in an impoverished school.
Marina was an excellent student and an outstanding runner while at Oyster River High School. Her commitment to and success in academics and running continued at the University of New Hampshire and Houghton College. Community service, faith, and family were deeply important to her.
In 2013, at the age of 20, while home between semesters, Marina passed away peacefully in her sleep from an undiagnosed heart infection.
Marina’s Miles annual road race will raise funds for a scholarship to be awarded each year to a college-bound Oyster River High School senior who best reflects Marina’s generosity of spirit and values.