Marissa Snow Rizzo

MARISSA SNOW RIZZO

JULY 17, 2013

Marissa "Rissa" Snow Rizzo, 41, of Sanibel, Florida passed away on Wednesday, July 17, 2013. Marissa was born in Corpus Christi, Texas on January 5, 1972.

She graduated from St. Edwards University in Austin, Texas with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry. On August 4, 1998, Marissa was married to Anthony Joseph Rizzo on a beach in St. Croix, USVI. Their marriage was blessed during a ceremony at St. Theresa's Catholic Church in Austin, Texas on October 3, 1998.

Marissa shared many passions in life. She loved spending time with her beloved husband Tony; whether on one of their many travels together, spending time on their boat, listening to live music, or visiting with family or any one of their countless friends. Marissa's passion for spending time with loved ones was her inspiration.

Marissa's other passions included horticulture and landscape design specializing in tropical plantings. She had an incredible knack for blending color, size, and shape to maximize visual and emotional impact. For Marissa, her work in her yard on Sanibel was a labor of love.

Marissa also loved taking care of her two Bengal cats - Mei Li and Tong Yi. They were inseparable buddies for the past 12 years. Marissa also enjoyed music - especially live music - as her favorite artists were Jimmy Buffett, Bob Marley, Mishka, and Jack Johnson.

Marissa's life was full, joyous and giving. She continually thought of others before herself, placing everyone else's needs above her own and could light up a room with just her presence. She will be forever missed, but never forgotten, by her loved ones.

She is survived by her husband Tony Rizzo of Sanibel, FL; parents Melody and James Lehrmann of Mathis, TX; brother Derek (Kim) Curlee of Victoria, TX and sister Molly (Kirk) Hall of Sharpsburg, GA. In addition, Marissa had numerous nieces and nephews and grand nieces and nephews which she cherished deeply and enjoyed spending time with: Mary Curlee, Carlie Hall, Peyton Hall, Billie-Jo Rizzo, Danielle Reyes, Ryan Strout, Deidre Morrow, Jordan Anthony, Miriah Dial, Lia Dial, Kian Reyes, Elias Reyes, Cooper Westlake, Ashley Kitten, Jacob Vos Winkle, Jared Vos Winkle, Kendle Hansen, Carlee Hansen, Jolee Hansen, Sterling Cole McBride. She was preceded in death by her father Billy Dumas Curlee and her grandmother Mary Francis Rees Koepsel and grandfather Anthony Wayne Koepsel.

The Mass will be officiated by lifetime family friend, Monsignor Rory Deane, at Sacred Heart Church in Mathis, Texas on July 28, 2013 at 3pm. Memorial contributions may be made in Marissa's memory to the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (C.R.O.W.) on Sanibel Island, FL. Donations can be made on line at www.crowclinic.org/support/memorial.php or via mail to PO Box 150 Sanibel, FL 33957. Please indicate "In memory of Marissa Snow Rizzo" on your donation form or check.