Marina Margaret Pace – a world traveler, talented artist, animal lover, and remarkable soul – passed away on October 26, 2023 in her Montara home, surrounded by her family and closest loved ones.

Marina was many things to many people: beloved partner, sister, aunt, daughter, colleague, cat mom, and, above all, friend. To her community, she brought an infectious wonder for all life had to offer, along with fun, empathy, and grounding. To her beloved array of rescue animals, she provided an endless outpouring of love and affection. Through her various roles in a robust career that weaved between art, sustainability, and entertainment, she led with grand vision and immaculate strategy. She exuded love, gratitude, and admiration in everything she did.

Born December 30, 1954 to Anthony and Barbara Pace in Port Chester, New York, Marina spent the majority of her childhood in Chatham, Cape Cod with her four beloved brothers.

Her life was a rich and complex tapestry of experiences. Equally pragmatic and creative, with an affinity for the natural world, Marina pursued studies in biology and art at the University of New Hampshire, and continued her fine art education at the esteemed Pratt Institute. Enthralled with global art and culture, she spent her early 20s venturing to new and exciting places like Indonesia, Egypt, and Mexico, often solo – a reflection of her zealous spirit. She boated through remote rivers, marveled at art, saw the Pyramids, and recorded her memories through letters and journals. Eventually, Marina settled in Montara, California, drawn to its slower pace of life, vast open spaces, and deep natural beauty – though she could often be found bouncing between the warm comfort of Healdsburg, the mountains of the Eastern Sierra, and the blue skies of the Southwest.

A talented creative who dabbled in drawing, painting, and furniture refinishing, Marina’s first career was in printing and advertising, working for Bay Area and Los Angeles printing companies. From there, she specialized in marketing, working as a Creative Services Manager for Apple, and later, Marketing Director for Jacobs Farm del Cabo. She pursued various passion projects, including studio art, opening her own art business (Artful Embellishments), and even a stint leading tours on a goat farm. Her final career was Director of Marketing for The 222, a performing arts center.

It was during her career in the printing industry that she met Les Ferroggiaro, who – years after they worked together – became a great love of her life. She and Les moved to Healdsburg, where they were known for their fabulous gatherings, abundant community, and zest for life. In 1999, Les passed away in a car accident that left Marina severely injured. Though this tragedy entirely altered her life course, she persevered with immense strength, courage, and perspective to live life to the fullest.

Lucky enough to encounter a second love of her life, Tony Miranda became Marina’s life partner of 17 years. Best friends above all else, through thick and thin, Marina and Tony experienced the greatest joy in their companionship.

In February 2023, Marina was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, a shock to those who knew her as a beacon of health. Her illness took her far too soon, interrupting the many plans she had: towns she wanted to live, countries she wanted to travel, activities she wanted to try. So, in her honor, get out there — make that move, order that dish, and, importantly, spend time outside!

Marina is survived by her brothers Bill, Chris, and Roberto; her life partner Tony; her sisters-in-law; her nieces and nephews; and her community. Her memory is a blessing to all who had the privilege of knowing her, and she is surely beloved and welcomed in the next world.

Those who knew Marina are warmly welcomed to submit stories of her life and memories at https://everloved.com/life-of…. If you wish to honor Marina with a gift, please consider one of two causes deeply personal to Marina: Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (https://pancan.org) which was a resource throughout her diagnosis, or to Coastside Feral Care (https://www.coastsideferalcar…) to honor her deep compassion for animals.

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