Marina Kovacs

January 14th, 1938 – September 14th, 2022

 Marina (Nina) Kovacs nee Saddul passed away peacefully on Wednesday September 14th at the age of 84 with family by her side.

Marina was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend and will be sadly missed and remembered by her beloved husband Steve, her daughters Hannah (Aaron) and Edna (Charlie), her adoring grandchildren Aaiden, Ninah, Kaya and Mika, her sisters Milagros (Rene), Leonor (Lyle), her brothers Johnny (Elvie), Domingo and many more nieces, nephews and friends.

She was pre-deceased by her cherished sister Evangeline, her nephew Sean, her Nanay Leonor, Papa Juan and Papa Oco.

Marina was born in Sapaloc, Manila Philippines to Juan Onate Saddul and Leonor Joaquin Obando on January 14th, 1938.  She was the eldest of 6.  She did not grow up with much but was so grateful for what she did have.  She was extremely determined and worked hard through high school and went on to receive her Bachelor of Science in Commerce degree from Far Eastern University in Manila. She came to the United States and worked as a paralegal for the Philippine government. She then moved to Canada and worked as an accountant before deciding to join the Peace Corp for 2 years where she taught English to children in Ghana, Africa. She loved to travel and saw much of the world, Europe, Africa and Asia, but finally settled in Vancouver.

Marina always put her family above all else.  She began to sponsor her family from the Philippines and today there are over 55 family members including siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins, and grandchildren that came of this sponsorship. She married Steve Kovacs on November 26th, 1973 and had two daughters, Hannah and Edna.  She spent the next few years raising her daughters and in her 50’s, went back to school and received her Therapeutic Recreation Therapist Diploma from Douglas College. She worked until retirement in this profession at Riverview Hospital. She loved her job, bringing joy, laughter and purpose to all those she worked with.

She enjoyed traveling the world, gardening, spending time with family and friends and dedicating time to her church, providing the eucharist to those who were ill, visiting the sick, elderly and home bound in her community.  She cofounded and pioneered the Legion of Mary at St. Patrick’s Parish, serving as their president for many years and was a big supporter of the Salvation Army and sponsorship of children in Africa.

Marina had such a great love for life and believed in the inherent goodness of each person she met.  Walking down the streets and in the malls of Maple Ridge, it was hard pressed to find someone she did not know. She lived a long, incredible and fulfilling life. She was a kind, thoughtful, giving, loving person who went above and beyond and always put the needs of others before her own.  Above all, Marina loved her family and friends. She loved organizing and hosting gatherings, any excuse to get everyone she loved together.  To many of us, we owe our lives to her; she will forever be remembered in our hearts.

Marina’s Prayer Vigil will be held on Thursday September 29th, 2022, at 7:30 pm and Funeral Mass on Friday September 30th at 11:30 am, both at St. Patrick’s Church, 22561 121st Ave, Maple Ridge. Reception at Holy Grounds Coffee House in the St. Patrick’s Parish office to follow.

Marina was an active parishioner and very dedicated to her parish, St. Patrick’s.  In lieu of flowers and gifts, donations can be made towards a bench in memory of Marina. The bench will be placed in front of the Blessed Mother at St. Patrick’s Parish, a place she visited and prayed often.  A donation card box will be present at the Prayer Vigil and Funeral reception.  Donations can also be accepted via e-transfer to Marina.memorial.bench@gmail.com