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Marina Simenstad Obituary
Marina Simenstad
July 7, 1947 - Aug. 30, 2023
NAPA - Marina Simenstad passed away on August 30, 2023, surrounded by her children, Elizabeth, Eric, and Alexander.
Marina was born July 7, 1947, in Shanghai, China to a Russian family which fled Siberia during the Bolshevik Revolution. At the onset of the Chinese Communist Revolution in 1949, the community relocated to a refugee camp on the island of Tubabao in the Philippines, where they lived for two years until her family was sponsored to come to the United States. They arrived in San Francisco on a steamship and settled in Portland, OR, where she grew up. Marina graduated from Lincoln High School in 1964, and Mills College in 1968, where she was a pioneering member of the rowing team.
She raised her children in Napa, CA, and worked as a teacher in the Napa Valley school district for more than three decades. Marina was an engaged and dedicated member of many different communities, including the Russian Orthodox Church, the church choir, the schools where she taught, the Junior League of San Francisco, US Rowing, several book clubs, and a French language and culture group in Napa.
Marina loved reading and watching murder mystery novels and shows. She kept several beloved cats as pets throughout her life and donated regularly to animal welfare charities. She was a lifelong patron of the arts and regularly attended the ballet and her favorite local art museums. She adored her three children, and they loved her dearly. Marina lived her life in service to the people and causes she loved, and will forever inspire her family and friends to do the same.
Her funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. September 18, 2023, at Holy Virgin Cathedral on Geary Blvd in San Francisco, followed by her burial at Tulocay Cemetery in Napa, CA.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Marina's name to the San Francisco SPCA https://www.sfspca.org/.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Marina Simenstad
Olga Zhovreboff
May 4, 2025
So shocked to hear of Marina´s passing. My family lived in Portland, Oregon, attended St. Nicholas Orthodox Church and were close friends with the Kershaw family. I was in my early teens when Marina would come to visit from Mills College to Portland. We re-met in San Francisco at the Holy Virgin Cathedral where we were both involved in the school of our children.
Kai Egil Simenstad
December 1, 2023
R.I.P from your Facebook friend in Norway
Kai Egil Simenstad
Nancy Ann Lund
September 22, 2023
Dear Elizabeth, Eric, and Alexander, I'm so very saddened to hear of your mom's passing. I did not know. My mother Ann Simenstad Lund was Archie's youngest sister. I appreciate generations that stay connected. Even though we've not stayed in touch regularly, we're always and forever family.
I would love to hear from any or all of you:
Peace and blessings,
Nancy Lund
[email protected]
206-849-6404
Julie Carter
September 20, 2023
I enjoyed the several times Marina returned to Portland for a rowing event and we had lunch together.
Drew McCalley
September 20, 2023
So very sad to hear this news. Marina had come over to visit us on the coast several times and was always the easiest and most wonderful guest. We slipped into easy conversation as if the decades since high school didn´t exist. We will miss her.
Dana Cress
September 20, 2023
Marina was in my high school class and attended every reunion! I was able to see her when she visited Portland for rowing events! She was a lovely woman inside and out!
Linda K
September 19, 2023
I had the opportunity to work with her during her time in education. She always went above and beyond to help the students and staff. She will definitely be missed by so many people. My heart goes out to her family and friends during this difficult time. I always enjoyed hearing about her love for animals and her cats.
Lauren Peter
September 18, 2023
I am so saddened to read about the loss your mother, Elizabeth, Eric, and Alexander. The last time I saw her was at my mom's funeral and she spoke so lovingly about you three and your accomplishments. I always enjoyed talking to her, whether at school, on the beach at Tahoe, or when I'd babysit. Stephanie and I are thinking about you and send hugs.
Steve Groark
September 18, 2023
Marina was a generous and loving person throughout her life. As an active member of the Mills College Rowing Club since 1965 to 1969, she participated in many collegiate crew regattas. After graduation from Mills College, she continued her professional Crew career as a Inter-college Regatta Referee. She will be greatly missed as our friend and confidant.
Ruth and Deryk Pooley
September 17, 2023
I met Marina nearly three decades ago when we exchanged our homes for a vacation in the UK and Napa respectively. I was struck by her elegance, poise and curiosity in exploring other cultures and countries. We remained friends over the years despite being so far apart and l loved hearing the pride in her voice when she spoke about her children and their growing into adulthood. I am so sad to hear of Marinas passing and would like to pass on our sincere condolences to Elizabeth, Eric and Alexander. Marina will be truly missed.
Margo Slack
September 16, 2023
Marina always had a smile and kind words for those she worked with. I had the pleasure of knowing her briefly but she had a very positive impact and I´m very sad for your loss.
Bondans
September 16, 2023
There is nothing adequate to say about losing your Mom you all are in our prayers. Hope the good memories will carry you all through this time.
Lisa Stackpole
September 7, 2023
Marina was a long-time dear friend. I will always remember her marvelous cooking skills, shared recipes, her jams, her piroshkis and her overall sense of style. We had many laughs and fun times over the years and as new mothers, we shared our parenting stories. We had recently corresponded and hoped to meet soon for lunch. So many memories of Marina have come rushing back to me. Although, I will miss her, the memories of her will live on. My love to Elizabeth, Alex and Eric.
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