Marissa Elise Relyea passed away peacefully at home on Saturday April 15, 2023.
She was born on March 9, 2004, in Albany, NY and was the beloved daughter of Angelia M. Relyea (Gagliardi-Turner) and Jason K. Relyea as well as cherished sister of Dominic E. Kirker.
Marissa attended the Voorheesville Central School District most of her life and graduated from Albany High School. She was also a former student at the Marcus Rogers Dance Company. She was currently attending SUNY Adirondack pursuing a degree in Business Administration.
Marissa absolutely loved life and lived it to the fullest all day, every day. Her laugh would fill a room and her smile lit it up. From the time she could crawl she was always on the move and was difficult to keep up with. She could be stubborn and a force to be reckoned with when faced with injustice. She had a rare natural athletic talent that allowed her to pick up any activity and excel almost immediately. She loved to cook and was always keen to try new recipes. She was a passionate follower of true crime stories and had intense interest in all things related to hair, makeup, fashion and travel. Marissa loved being surrounded by people and animals. In her younger years she was a member of the Girl Scouts and her school's Key Club. Over the years she had volunteered for The Voorheesville VCF, Old Songs in Voorheesville, NY, Captain's Treasures of Clifton Park , The Kiwanis Key Club as well as several local food pantries. She also was an active supporter of Autism awareness programs, LBGTQ+ rights, anti-bullying initiatives, and various anti-discrimination, human, and female rights organizations. She also helped anyone she could in any way she could.
Along with her parents and brother Marissa is survived by her grandparents Christine Turner (Gagliardi), Pamela Miller, Joseph Relyea and Lillian Rarick, her great grandmother Patricia Farr, her God Parents, Kit Yezzi and Philip Melnik, her best friend Lily Eldred, her beloved dog Pugo and cats Crow and Oreo, as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, and other friends and family.
Marissa is predeceased by her Grandfathers Leon H Turner and Robert Bradshaw and her friend Megi Hamza.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 25, 2023 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm with a celebration of life to immediately follow at 1:00 pm at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 343 New Karner Road, Colonie. Burial will follow at Memory Gardens in Colonie.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to any of the above charities mentioned.