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Marina S. Lainez, 49, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family on Friday, May 26th, 2023. She was the loving wife of Alvaro Millan, with whom she shared 28 years of marriage.
Marina was born in La Unión, El Salvador and was the daughter of the Adolfo Lainez and the late Ana Maria Del Carmen Saravia.
Marina was the mother of the Samuel Perez III and Daniel Millan, and sister of Edgar Xavier Saravia, the late Jose Adolfo Saravia, Ana Beatriz Garin, Teresa Fenical, Maria Shiles, Joel Alberto Saravia and Evelyn Patricia Saravia.
Marina and her family were forced to flee their homeland when she was just six years old, seeking refuge from the devastating Civil War. Despite the challenges they faced as refugees, Marina's tenacity shone through as she pursued her education and worked tirelessly to provide for herself and support her family.
Growing up in the church, Marina's faith and strong moral compass guided her through life's trials. As a teenager, she became a mother, facing new and unforeseen struggles. However, Marina's love for her children only grew stronger, becoming the driving force behind her determination to create a better future for them.
After graduating from high school, Marina faced difficulties, prompting her to make the courageous decision to uproot her life and seek a fresh start in the small town of Greenfield. It was there that she encountered the love of her life, brought together through the bonds of friendship and their shared faith within the local church. Marina soon married and welcomed her second child, her love for her children growing with each passing day.
Over time, Marina's deep affection for children ignited a passion for teaching. She enrolled in GCC (Greenfield Community College) and obtained her degree, leading her to become a paraprofessional and teacher within the Greenfield Public Schools system. Marina's dedication to her students and unwavering support for their education left an enduring impact on their lives.
Marina's journey was not without further challenges. She found herself facing the process of removal from the country she called home, and for years she fought tirelessly to secure her right to stay. With determination and resilience, Marina navigated the legal process, representing herself for the majority of the removal procedure. Despite daunting odds, she faced the judge with unwavering resolve, reminding them that her life was in the hands of the Almighty God. Marina's perseverance and unwavering faith eventually led to a positive outcome, granting her the right to stay and eventually gain her citizenship.
Inspired by her own experiences, Marina embarked on a new chapter in her life. She returned to school to pursue her law degree, driven by a deep desire to advocate for those without representation. Along the way, Marina formed lifelong friendships and dedicated herself to helping others through organizations like Catholic Charities, providing crucial financial assistance to those in need.
In May 2010, Marina accomplished a significant milestone by passing her BAR exam and earning her JD of Law. However, shortly after, tragedy struck as she was involved in a severe car accident on Father's Day of the same year. This life-altering event served as a poignant reminder of the importance of family to Marina. From that moment forward, she devoted herself to being a loving stay-at-home wife and mother, while also extending her helping hand to anyone fortunate enough to cross her path.
While caring for her family, Marina actively volunteered at several food pantries and offered invaluable legal advice to friends, family, and community members, particularly in matters relating to immigration. Although she briefly attempted working as a residential coordinator at Leyden Woods, Marina realized that her true calling was at home, where she could provide unwavering love and support to her husband and children. Marina's spirit, love, resilience, and unwavering dedication to her family and community leave an indelible mark on all who knew her. Her legacy will forever be remembered in the hearts of her loved ones and the lives she touched.
Surviving in addition to her husband are her children, Samuel Perez III of Greenfield and Daniel Millan, his fiancée Mikayla Silva and her grandchild, who she loved with all her heart, Isaiah Daniel Millan of Dighton. She also leaves a large network of friends and colleagues.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a time of visitation on Thursday 6/1 from 10am-12pm at the Kostanski Funeral Home, 220 Federal St., Greenfield, MA, 01301.
Following the visitation, a funeral service will be held Thursday at 12noon at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Federal Street Cemetery in Greenfield.
For condolences, please visit www.kostanskifuneralhome.com.
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