July 18, 1972 - January 13, 2022
In loving memory ~
We are heartbroken to announce that Marina Antoinette Fumerton, beloved wife, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend, passed away suddenly on 13 January 2022, in Penticton, BC, from a brain aneurysm. Born in the Philippines, Marina would have celebrated her 50th birthday this summer.
Marina is remembered as a caring and compassionate person who gave her time generously to help others. Marina lived a life of faith, and was a pillar of strength and wisdom, who lived life to the fullest. A daring and multi-talented individual, she was as much at home playing the piano at church as stripping and rebuilding a car motor late at night in the garage. Her sense of fun and love of life was contagious.
Marina and her husband, Rick, were married for almost fifteen years. They shared a deep love that included a passion for music, and together they played at many social events for seniors and others. They were avid travellers, visiting the Philippines and Europe, and spent many hours camping in their motorhome, "Georgie Boy." Marina was also an accomplished and gracious hostess - she loved to plan and throw memorable parties.
Excelling in academics, art, music, and sports, she graduated from Nanaimo District Senior Secondary as "Student of the Year." Marina played nine different musical instruments and helped the school band win gold at the National Music Festival in Ottawa as a trumpet player. She also participated in team and individual sports, and was a valued member of the Nanaimo Track and Field Club.
As the owner and operator of Aqualife Diagnostics, Ltd., Marina researched and identified genetic stock for the Pacific Biological Station, and the Pacific Salmon Commission. Her research results were used during renegotiation of the Pacific Salmon Treaty between Canada and the U.S.
Marina completed her Business Administration Diploma at Okanagan College, then went on to take courses through CPA Canada, and became a Certified General Accountant (CGA), Certified Professional Accountant (CPA). Marina worked for Canada Revenue Agency for many years. Her colleagues remember her as professional and knowledgeable, with a quick wit, a great sense of humour, and a big heart. She was a snappy, stylish dresser - "casual Friday" didn't exist in her world. Her close friends knew she was a good listener who was always willing to help.
Marina had a giving soul. She sponsored a child in a developing country through the International Association for Transformation (IAT), and gave blood numerous times. Selfless to the end, Marina was also an organ donor, and transformed five people's lives. Marina's love lives on through her husband, Rick Paulin; her mother Tessie Fumerton; her sister Teresa (and Keith) Carlson and her nephews William and Benjamin Carlson; her brother Mario Fumerton (and Zinah Hamawandi); her former sister-in-law Jenny Van Den Oudenrijn, and nephew and niece Trystan and Ismay Van Den Oudenrijn. She will be missed by her uncle Alfredo Jr., and cousins Karina, and Cyndi Tensuan.