"With deep sadness, we share the passing of Marina Chauvaud Backman on Nov. 4, 2024, at just 62 years old," her family wrote. After a hard-fought battle with cancer, she passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family.
Friends are invited to honor Marina's life at 1 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025, at the Sourdough Lodge. This will be a potluck event. Feel free to bring a snack or appetizer to share.
She was born Jan. 5, 1962, in Kodiak. Marina's life was one defined by resilience, determination and transformation, her family wrote. She always felt a pull toward her roots but spent her life on a remarkable journey.
"Stubborn and quick-witted, she faced life's challenges head on, embracing every twist and turn with grit and unwavering resolve. Whether riding motorcycles, hiking, scuba diving or learning something new, Marina was never one to stand still and never afraid to take on a challenge," her family wrote.
Her relationships with her family were shaped by love and complexity, but her commitment to them never wavered.
In recent years, Marina found a new chapter in Wrangell, where she embraced community and pursued her passions. She earned her private pilot's license, worked as a deckhand on the vessel Denali, and launched her own business, Made in Wrangell. She was honored with the name Kaatgi, when she and her daughter and grandchildren were adopted into the Naanya.aayí clan of the Tlingit tribe, a moment of deep personal meaning.
"Marina's journey was one of growth, strength and adventure, leaving a lasting mark on those who knew her. She will be remembered for her bold spirit, her generosity and her ability to face life with unflinching determination. Her story is one of a life lived fully on her own terms, with courage and an unyielding drive to keep moving forward," her family wrote.
She is survived by her husband, six children, many grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.
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