Marina Nieves

With a joyful heart and an infectious smile, Marina Nieves was a gift to all who were blessed to know her. Regardless of life’s challenges, she chose kindness, hope, and perseverance at every turn. Always eager to give her time and talents to those in need, Marina’s empathy and creativity often afforded others deep comfort. A devoted mother, Marina inspired others in countless ways. Though our days with her were far too few, the power of her life will long inspire our hearts and lives.

The 1980s were a decade of great change. The world witnessed dramatic events like the Challenger shuttle explosion and the final days of the Berlin Wall. Closer to home, MTV was rapidly reshaping pop culture. Aretha Franklin became the first woman inducted into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame, Bon Jovi had us Living on a Prayer, and rising stars like Tom Cruise and Tom Hanks entertained us on the big screen. The future was bright and nowhere was there more hope than in Chicago, Illinois, as Manuel and Eloisa (Flores) Nieves welcomed their daughter, Marina, into their hearts and lives on August 31, 1988.

As a child, Marina’s love for singing was born. Whether playing at the park with her sister, shopping with her mom, or working with her dad, Marina always had a song in her heart; she especially loved The Little Mermaid. Marina’s dad is a mechanic, and she enjoyed spending time with him in the garage, learning the tools, and working on the cars along him. At a young age she was even able to expertly arrange his tool box.

After graduating from high school, Marina enlisted in the Army, but left service after her mother died in 2006. In 2012, committed to finding a more stable career and building a life for herself, Marina enrolled in Ross Medical School. She was quite proud to graduate and become a dental assistant. With empathy and commitment to excellence, Marina tended to her patients with love and a gentle hand. With a natural eye for beauty and perfection, she was able to create teeth and frontal implants for patients. It was the perfect fit for her creative talents and personality and she was thrilled to see patients enjoy their smiles once again.

Marina found beauty in everyday life around her. She enjoyed art, often painting eyes, flowers, and exploring the female form. Photography later became a natural passion for her creative expression. As the owner of her own business, Rinnaroo Photography, she relished in shooting senior portraits, weddings, and maternity pictures. She had a gift for finding the best angle and lighting, and helping people feel comfortable in front of her lens. As mother of two children, Gabriel and Ariel, she was obsessed with taking photos of her kids as they grew. She loved being outdoors, hiking the beach, noticing Nature’s wonders, and artfully sharing her view of the world around her.

With her bright personality that drew people in, Marina was often the life of the party and loved hosting events. Each Thanksgiving, she hosted a special “Friendsgiving” for her work friends. Known as “Betty Crocker,” by her sister, Marina loved to bake from scratch. Her cupcakes, pies, and breads were unrivaled. Her cooking was equally delicious, and her pot roast with potatoes and carrots was famous amongst family. Every bite was filled with love.

Marina’s children are the very best of her. The most important and joy-filled days of her life were the days Gabriel and Ariel were born. Marina was completed devoted to caring for her children and relished every moment she was blessed to spend with them. In each of their smiles, she saw the best of her legacy and, in their eyes, her greatest hopes for the future.

Without a doubt, the absence of Marina’s bright and beautiful light dims the world around us. As we mourn the loss of a treasured soul, may we find comfort in carrying her legacy of love, creativity, and generosity forward. Each moment we witness the beauty around us, share a comforting smile, lend an empathetic ear, meet a challenge with confidence, and snuggle up with our favorite people, we celebrate the many gifts Marina shared with us. In this way, we keep her spirit alive; inspiring others as she so inspired us.

Marina Nieves, age 33, of Kalamazoo, died on September 20, 2021. Marina was preceded in death by her mother, Eloisa, and grandfather, Marino Flores. Surviving are her children: Gabriel Enoch Bosher and Ariel Eloisa Bosher; her dad, Manuel (Lisa Morales) Nieves; sister, Pricilla Nieves; nephew, Elijah Santiago; and many friends who were as close as family.

Please join us at a Life Story Visitation on Saturday (SEPT 25) 4-6 PM at Betzler Life Story Funeral Home, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo 269-375-2900. Visit Marina’s webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com to archive favorite memories, photos and sign his guestbook. Memorial contributions may be directed to the family’s GoFundMe page to assist with expenses.