Marisa Redzepi

Marisa Nicole Redzepi, a beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend, was born on August 19, 1991, in La Habra, California. On November 11, 2024, she left this world surrounded by family, leaving all those who loved her profoundly, leaving a legacy of love, kindness, and resilience. As the American novelist Edna Ferber once wrote, "Life cannot defeat a woman who is full of love and courage." Marisa was indeed such a woman, her life was a testament to her unyielding spirit, and her love for her family was her guiding light.
Marisa, a dedicated homemaker, took great pride in creating a warm, welcoming environment for her family and friends in her home. She was the heart of her family, the backbone that held everyone together. Often, she was the first to lend a helping hand, the first to offer words of comfort, and the first to celebrate the achievements of those she loved. She was known for her compassionate nature, her infectious laughter, her love for life, and her ability to inspire those around her. Her memory will be cherished by her loving husband, Alben, and their beautiful children, Lilliana, Maddox, Nikolas, and Cole. They were her pride and joy, her world.
Marisa's legacy is also carried on by her parents, Michael and Maricel Hagstrom; her brothers, Dillon (Breanna) Hagstrom and Nate Wilbur; her grandparents Linda Hagstrom, Randy (Sandy) Hagstrom, and Antonia Fuentes. She also leaves behind her father- and mother-in-law, Bajram (Eileen) Redzepi; her sisters- and brothers-in-law, Sophia (James) Babiarz, Adem (Lina) Redzepi, Adriana (Juan) Redzepi, and Nora (Troy) Walmer; as well as her many nieces and nephews (Natalia, Zane, Alivia, Cade, Lule, Electra, Zemra, Ezra, Snow, Oriana, Lily, Adelina, Bali, Avani, Alonzo and Violetta) who adored their Aunt Marisa. She was preceded in death by her brother Cole Hagstrom and her grandfather Giermo Fuentes.
Marisa's life was a testament to her deep love for family. She was a loving wife to her husband and an inspiring mother to her children. Marisa's main hobby was being the best mom she could be. She had an uncanny ability to find joy in every moment, whether it was shopping with her children, taking the boys fishing, or simply cuddling on the couch with her babies, or watching movies and playing games. "To us, family means putting your arms around each other and being there," Barbara Bush once said. This quote captures the essence of Marisa, who embraced her family with open arms and an open heart.
Marisa was also a funny and thoughtful soul who loved to go on adventures with her husband, Alben. They would drive around, make fun out of their work, and cherish the simple things in life. She was Alben's biggest cheerleader and best friend. Even when she got sick that did not stop her selfless attitude towards other's and endless encouragement towards Alben to chase his dreams. This is no surprise, as Marisa was an avid entrepreneur and was continuously recognized for her tireless dedication and hard work, always setting the bar high in any job she took on. Her spirit of perseverance and determination was an inspiration to all who knew her.
Public visitation for Marisa Redzepi will be held on Friday, November 15, 2024, from 3:00pm to 7:00 pm CST at McCorkle Funeral Home - Rockton Chapel, 767 North Blackhawk Boulevard, Rockton, Illinois, 61072.
As we gather to honor Marisa's life, let us remember the words of Kahlil Gibran: "When you are sorrowful, look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight." Marisa was indeed our delight, and she will be deeply missed.
We encourage everyone to leave memories and upload photos to Marisa's memorial page. Let us celebrate her life by sharing the moments that made her the extraordinary person she was. Let her spirit live on in our memories and in our hearts.