Marrissa Kaite Branca 12/28/86 ~ 1/27/03 Shortly after midnight on December 28, 1986, our beautiful daughter Marrissa Kaite Branca entered the world with a struggle for life. After 45 minutes of assistance, she took her first breath and let out a loud cry. On January 27, 2003, Marrissa left this life of pain and suffering behind. Those who knew and loved her are now left to the tears that she will no longer shed. Her search for peace is over and she is at rest in the arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ who gave her comfort and solace even in the midst of her darkest hours. Marrissa, despite all the difficulties she had, never wavered in her faith. Her love of her Heavenly Father and His son Jesus Christ will forever remain an inspiration to those she leaves behind. She was a wonderful girl, who loved music, sang so sweetly and beautifully, had a heart so filled with love for her family and friends. Marrissa loved rainbows, the smell of our roses and lavender each spring and summer. She was a talented writer who's poetry spoke of a wisdom beyond her sixteen years. The world has indeed lost a truly special spirit while Heaven has gained an Angel. Marrissa is survived by her parents Lee and Janis Branca; her brothers Lee and Jameson; sisters Caitelin, Chloe and Bethany; grandparents Bart and Connie Olson, Gail and James (J.P.) Flynn, Georgina Andersen, Richard and Rita Branca; numerous aunts and uncles, cousins, great-grand-parents and friends. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you reach out to a struggling teenager in friendship and compassion. You never know if that gesture will be the one to reach through the abyss and draw them back into the light of earthly love and give them the hope they need to get through another day. Funeral services will be Sat. at 11 a.m. at the Oquirrh 8th Ward 6200 So. 6253 W. Interment in the Valley View Memorial Park. Funeral Directors Broomhead Funeral Home.

Published in Salt Lake Tribune from Jan. 30 to Jan. 31, 2003