Marisa- i Just wanted you to know that I am thinking of you. I pray for Wade & the boys &I know Wade is doing everything to make the boys & you happy.  
God Bless the family ❤- Marissa

Marisa...We love you...the minute you married Wade you became family!! We love Wade, you and the three boys very much!! Love and miss you...we will see you soon my dear friend!!  ❤ ~Strozier's

Wade, I am so sorry about your loss. Anyone who has ever been around you knows how much you loved and cherished Marisa. My heart is broken about this. Just know that she is with you and your beautiful boys everyday.

Wade and Family, My heart breaks for the loss of your beautiful wife.!My condolences and prayers too you all! Marisa had the spirit of an Angel and I know she is resting with them now. 

Marisa had the most genuine spirit and knock out smile.  I am so glad I had the honor of meeting her in Okinawa.  She will be missed by so many.

I met Marisa two years ago shortly after we moved to North Carolina.  Marisa soon became a special friend and we were both part of a Bible study here at Ft. Bragg.  Her smile and hugs were a great way to start our mornings!  She and I had a special connection as we both had three boys and could understand the life of an all boy mom.  :-)  We continued our friendship and journey together when she started homeschooling.   I loved seeing her joy for her boys!   My boys enjoyed being with her boys as well.  
She will be greatly missed! Praying for Wade and the boys, as well as the rest of her family.

I met Marisa many moons ago when Crystal and I were in the same softball team and Bryan was our coach. We had so many laughs and such fun times together. I remember going to our first country dancing club together when I was 7 months pregnant and her thinking I was out of my mind. I remember when she first met her husband Wade. Marisa and I were watching tv and Wade decided he would put on the Kansas State game. I thought who is this guy? But he turned out to be the best half doe Marisa. She knew almost from the beginning that they would spend the rest of their lives together. As time went on and she moved from place to place with all the many adventures of the military life we always stayed in touch. She went on to have three amazing little boys, David, Evan, and Drew which she loved with all her heart. She was so proud to be a mommy and that is what she was meant to be as she was so good at it. Her boys went the world to her. I remember her calling me when she found out she was pregnant with Drew. We were both shocked but not she was just beaming on the other end of the phone. 

Marisa had the biggest heart of gold. She always put others before herself even when we were kids. No matter what she had going on in her life she always made time for me when I needed her and so did I. She loved the Lord so much and instilled that in every part of her life and in her family. The Lord took her much sooner than I was ready for but I am at peace that she is with her Savior and is an Angel watching all of us, especially Wade and the boys, from above. 

David, Evan and Drew - Your mom was not just beautiful on the outside but on the inside too. She loved you boys to the moon and back. You mean the world to her and she was so proud to be your mom. She will always be with you looking down on you and watching every football game or first day of school from Heaven. She was and always will be your biggest cheerleader. 

Wade - Marisa loved you from the beginning. You two were perfect together. I never felt uneasy or worried for her because I knew how much you loved her and that you would always be there and take care of her. She was so incredibly proud of you and was so happy to be your wife. Her smile lite up the room anytime she talked about you or your kids and even if I was not there in person I could hear it on the phone. She will always be with you. 

Fly high my amazing beautiful friend. I will miss your smile and your laughter. I couldn't have never asked for a better friend than you were to me. Love you and look forward to seeing you again one day.

I had the pleasure of knowing Marisa through our High School years at Santana. She was the sweetest person that I have ever met. So beautiful inside and out. I still cannot wrap my head around this tragic loss. I loved seeing pictures on facebook of Marisa, Wade and the boys. She always spoke highly of you Wade and was the proudest mom ever. Wade you and the boys will forever be in our prayers. You will never be forgotten our sweet friend.

I'm never going to forget you. I've been living in denial since I heard the news. The thought of you being gone is just too painful and surreal. You are and always will be loved. Your memory will live on in the lives that you've touched over the years that you graced this Earth. My prayers go out to you, your loving husband, your sweet boys, and your family and friends. You are missed beyond words.

Sweet, sweet Marisa. I've been shocked ever since I heard the news. I enjoyed keeping in touch with you, and my heart breaks for Wade and those sweet boys that wear your smile. We are lifting your family up in prayer, and I will see you again someday!

Marisa was such a precious Gem. I am really gong to miss her beautiful smile and friendship. I met Marisa while we were in stationed in Okinawa. The love she had for her husband and boys shined bright. She will be greatly missed, until that time we see her again. Thank you God for allowing me time on earth with this beautiful woman. Continued prayers for her family and friends.

I met Marisa in Okinawa.  Her husband and mine, Eric, worked together at 3D Recon Battalion.  Marisa was always so sweet.  She had a beautiful smile and those dimples!!  I loved her dimples.  I remember seeing her always in the center of a bunch of the spouses of 3D Recon.  She had a very special group of friends within the battalion.  I know she will be missed greatly.  I will always remember her sweet personality and how much she loved all her boys.  

I'm posting a picture from a fun evening with the 3D Recon ladies.  I remember this so vividly.  She put her first board together and then we all started laughing hysterically.  I remember thinking how much I loved her laugh and spirit.  

Rest in peace Marisa.

It's still so hard for me to process this all.  Our chats at each other's parties, the company you would keep me at Lego Club, the love you had for your boys, and you holding Drew so close when dropping him off to me at Mops are such special memories.  You were kind, soft spoken, loving, and sweet soul.  You loved God and your family and I'm so blessed to have known you.

Marisa was one of the sweetest people that I never had the chance to meet. I married her cousin in 2015 but before that I talked to her on a regular basis. We talked about hoping to meet one day. She was one of the most positive people I've ever known and she loved her boys so much. She always talked about things they did together and fun plans they had. I just recently had a baby boy and I looked forward to getting advice from her. After my daddy passed away unexpectedly two years ago, she gave me so much advice and support that I will forever be grateful for.

Wade, your three beautiful boys, Marisa's mom and dad, her sister Crystal, and family, so sorry for your loss and we send our deepest condolences to you during this very tragic time. Praying for you all very much and I pray you find peace and strength through this and in life. Much love to you all, try and stay strong!!

Marisa, I will miss you so much and my heart aches that you're gone. You truly were a beautiful person inside and out!! You were the nicest friend a girl could pray for and we had so many amazing memories!!! I will take those memories with me always and I thank God for blessing me with a friend like you. It's hard to put into words how much of a sweet, caring, loving, honest, and amazing friend you were to me and how much I will miss you. I know you're resting in heaven and I will see you again one day my sweet dear friend. You are so close to my heart, and will forever be. I will never forget you, love you always pretty friend!!

Marisa, you will be missed. Your wonderful dimple smile has always brightened  those around you. You will truly be missed by all... Alohallll

 I know your at peace Marisa because you know Jesus. We all grew up playing softball together and going to the same school.  I am sad, I am sad that you were taken too early but I know you're with the Lord and that helps with the tears. Rest in Peace sweet friend, you are missed ❤

To your Husband; three boys; parents; sister; we are very sad and grieving the lost of our Best Friend Marisa; cannot cope with it yet; but we want you to know that we are here in Santee; CA thinking of all of you and feeling some of your pain. My daughter Francine Arroyo; from 2000 Santana High School Graduates and Myself; Beatriz Newby; are sending all our love; and praying for some comfort to all your Family <3

Words cannot even begin to express our sadness. We feel honored and blessed to have known Marisa and her beautiful family during our time in Okinawa, NC, and SC. She filled our hearts with so much joy. Since receiving such sad news our hearts have been saddened by such a loss, and our thoughts and prayers are with everyone who knew Marisa. Please accept our deepest condolences on the loss of such an amazing woman. May we all be comforted by the outpouring love that has been shown by those who were blessed to have known her, and knowing that she is now resting in the arms of our Lord. We will miss your joyful laughter and beautiful smile that comforted our hearts. You are no longer with us and you will truly be missed, but you will always be living in our hearts and the treasured memories that we were all able to share with you. Love you always and forever.

I miss you very much my friend.  Your beautiful smile and memories of the times we spent together  will be with me always.

Our hearts and prayers go out to the family, will never forget your smile.

Wade, David, Evan & Drew.  You are still in our thoughts, and our prayers, and forever in our hearts.  We are here for you. It was a privilege to have known Marisa, even briefly.  She touched so many lives, in many places from California to South Carolina, and Japan. We will always love you, and your beautiful wife and mother will not be forgotten.

Oh, Marisa :(
I will never forget your smile. You wore it like one breathes. We had some really great talks over the years. Thank you for caring so much. 

Rest In Peace Marisa it was a pleasure knowing you. My prayers for your family. You were a beautiful person.

God Bless You sweet Marisa...I will always remember your smile. Even as a little girl it would light up the room and make everyone around you smile. Rest in peace. I know your family will see you and that smile again one day.  Until then Uncle John, your grandfather will watch over you as he always has. Love to you and your family... especially your Mom, Dad, sister, Popo Florence, Aunties and extended ohana.

God Bless You and Rest in peace sweet Marisa.  My heart goes out to your Mom, Dad, sister and entire family.  My memories of you from the time you were a little girl.... with a smile that lights up a room... will always be in my heart.  Love, Aunty Jane

Sending all my thoughts and prayers to the Higgins, Pitcher and Winfrey families. Marisa and her family are some of the sweetest people I had the privilege to grow up with in Santee. I will never forget the days we used to walk to school in the morning and go to Hilda's after school and play games and have fun in the pool.  We had some great memories.

I only knew Marisa briefly, but she was such a sweet person. Many prayers are being lifted up for her family.

Words cannot explain our sadness over the loss of such a beautiful person. Marisa, you were the sweetest person anyone could ever hope to know. Our thoughts and prayers go out to your husband, children, and family.

Marisa,
You were always so kind-hearted and radiant. It was a pleasure getting to know you in our childhood and beyond. My greatest sympathies to Wade and to her three beautiful boys in this tragic time.

My dear Marisa. My heart goes out to your family. There are no words to describe the gravity of your loss.

Sending prayers to your family in  hard times, Thank you for the little time we had together, you always had the kindness heart and you will be dearly missed. Heaven truly has gained such a sweet soul. May you rest in peace and give Wade and his boys the strength to go on and one day hear nothing but great stories about how amazing there mother was.

I am praying for peace and comfort for your family

Our hearts are broken over your loss. Such a beautiful friend. We are praying for you and the boys for peace and for you to feel God's presence during this time. Much Love, Jason and Stephanie Beams

Rip never got to meet you but you are my cousins wife ! Praying for your babies and Wade. Rest on!

Prayers for God's comforting peace and grace that He will pour out His love and provide His strength for you in your time of grief and sorrow.

I don't want to believe this one bit. I met this beautiful family in Okinawa and Marisa and I just became friends instantly, no effort whatsoever, she always had my back when I needed prayers and always listened when I had a struggle that needed talked out. We laughed so much together, she was an angel on earth and now in Heaven. Please understand how badly I wish to be there, I'm sending my prayers to all the family! Those boys were my boys friends and I hope they know I love them and their mommy did too and still does! Wade please find peace and stay strong! God Bless you all in this trying time. Sending all the prayers!

I am so broken-hearted to hear of Marisa's passing.  She had a wonderful smile and a beautiful heart.  So loved those boys and Wade so much.  She was a wonderful person I got to know through my daughter (Abby A) while in Okinawa, and we continued to stay in touch after.  Always a kind word and a friend to all what a beautiful woman ....

Marisa was our neighbor in Richlands. I enjoyed our morning chats at the bus stop. I will never forget her contagious and beautiful smile!!

I'm so heart broken with this news of my dear friend. I met Marisa in Okinawa as our military family and sister in Christ she lightened the room with her smile and her beautiful being. My sincere condolences to Wade and his boys and Family. We lift everyone in prayers during this time. You will forever be in our hearts and we will truly miss your smile!! RIP beautiful!!

I had the pleasure of meeting Marisa in Okinawa and was instantly drawn to her. She was truly someone who had a magnetizing personality. I remember the first time I saw her at church. Her smile and her laugh was so incredible that I just walked right up to her and introduced myself. She then graciously let me cut her hair. I did a horrible job, but even with such a monumentally terrible cut, she was still gorgeous. She didn't even have the heart to say how bad the cut was! She was so loving and forgiving of my mistakes. She never once made me feel like I did anything wrong. She loved Wade. I remember when Wade went through a surgery while in Okinawa and she was nothing but supportive and loving during his recovery. She never once complained about his down-time, and I gave her opportunity to air her grievances. When it was time for their move from Okinawa, she was ready for whatever God led their family to do. She was amazingly sweet, graciously forgiving and incredibly beautiful inside and out. She showed strangers and friends the love of Jesus. That's what God has called for us to be, and she opitimized it.

My heart goes out to the family of this beautiful girl. You will all be in our thoughts and prayers.

I'll always remember your beautiful smile, kind heart and loving spirit.  Rest In Peace my sweet friend

My heart is so sad right now.  What a beautiful girl she was. I met her in Okinawa when we were both stationed there 2 years ago.  I enjoyed attending Women By Grace with her at Koza!  Praying for her family right now!!!

I literally have no words.  I am heart broken and just want to hug my precious Winfrey boys.  You are all in my thoughts and prayer.  Marisa, my sweet friend! I can't get your soothing voice out of my head.  I love you and your family and always will.

I cannot even begin to express my sorrow over the loss of Marisa.  We only physically met once, but it seemed like I knew her all her life.  She was a wonderful person and I hope that God's will has been served, because we are really going to miss her down here.  Marisa, may you rest peacefully while we find a way to continue on and complete the good works you have started.

I am so saddened to hear of Marisa's passing.  Marisa and I knew each other in high school and were friends on facebook.  I enjoyed reading her posts and seeing her family of boys (I have the same).  Please accept my deepest condolences and I hope that your memories of Marisa will help you through this tragic time.

OBITUARY

Marisa Anne Kanoanani Winfrey

November 24, 1981 – June 12, 2017

Edwards Funeral Home

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