Obituary of Marissa Leigh (Comella) Vargas Castro
Marissa Leigh Comella was born on May 8, 1981 in Portland OR to Mark and Lisa Comella. She was thrilled to be a big sister, when her brother Brandon was born 2 1/2 years later. The family lived in Newberg until their move to Sherwood in 1986. Marissa enjoyed growing up on acreage, days at the beach, camping trips, spending time with her family and had a special appreciation for all of God’s creations.
Marissa graduated with honors from Sherwood High School, Class of 1999. She went on to attend Linfield College and University of the Pacific (UOP) in Stockton, CA, graduating Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Speech Language Pathology (SLP). She continued her education, earning a Master's Degree and began working as an SLP for Newberg School District.
Marissa grew to love the Spanish language after family vacations to Mexico and became fluent as a teenager. She took part in Mexico Mission Trips with Countryside Community Church, helping as a translator and travelled to Spain on a high school exchange program, as well as a "Semester Abroad" to Mexico City during college. She loved the Hispanic culture, people and music. Marissa began Salsa dancing and met many friends through her love of dance.
In 2011, Marissa met and married Erick Vargas Castro and they welcomed their son Elliot, in 2012. Marissa absolutely loved being Elliot's mom and cherished her time with him. Marissa most recently worked as a Speech Language Pathologist for Connections Academy, working remotely with students throughout the US. This allowed her to work from her home in Newberg and spend quality time with Elliot throughout each day.
Marissa had a smile that would light up a room and made friends everywhere she went. She had a strong Christian faith and belief in God's promises. She was always willing to help others and loved time spent with friends and family. She loved animals, gardening and filled her home with plants. She had a beautiful singing voice and enjoyed all types of music.
In 2017, Marissa was diagnosed with breast cancer and on February 15, 2021, with her parents by her side, God welcomed her peacefully into heaven.
Marissa's greatest love in her 39 years of life, was her beloved 8 year old son Elliot, who she leaves behind to carry on her legacy, along with her parents Mark & Lisa Comella, brother Brandon, sister in law Anna, nieces Zoe and Kinley and ex-husband Erick. In addition, she leaves behind her many extended family members, friends and co-workers.
A celebration of Marissa's life will be held on Saturday, May 1st at 1:00pm.
Nexus Church/PDX First Church of the Nazarene, 6100 SW Raab Rd. Portland, OR.
In lieu of flowers, an education account has been set up to help support Elliot's future.
If interested, contributions may be sent to Mark & Lisa Comella 19945 SW Edy Road, Sherwood, OR 97140 or via Venmo @Elliot-Education
Marissa will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved her.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Marissa (Comella) Vargas Castro, please visit Tribute Store
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