Take it from someone who was never afraid to be herself...it isn't always easy to stay true to who you are, to look ahead and not around. While I was mostly an accquaintance to Marissa, and I haven't known her for very long or have been her best friend, I can truly look upon her and her accomplishments in school and in athletics and say that I know she was a person with the courage to be herself. She was aware of who she was and what she wanted to do...and she didn't listen to anyone who told her otherwise. I admired that so much about her.

 

Marissa was definitely a unique character. A lot of people have brought this up, but I'd like to take a moment to reflect on how spontaneously she truly lived. She could go from golf to track to Spanish to pre-calc. She could party hard for any OSU game, and still put together a stylish outfit and glam make up the next morning. She pulled off one of the coolest prom dresses I've ever seen. She could tell jokes, but she could symphathize with a sad story. Yet, any rumors anyone tried to spread, or any insults anyone tried to throw her way simply rolled off her shoulders. That's amazing. Marissa was the complete package. My only regret is that I didn't know her any better.

 

This whole this has been labeled a tragedy, and while I suppose it is, I don't like to reflect on the negative. Marissa's attributes could set a positive example for us all. Through my own reflections, I've realized how much of a positive influence she's had on me, just by being herself. The hardest change now distance between her and us...but let's be realistic. We all know she's sitting up there in a La-Z-Boy recliner, shouting out plays to Tressel and the Bucks.  

I didn't know Marissa very well, but I do remember how she was always smiling. We were on the same softball team for a couple years, and she always came up with the best cheers. Marissa always told teammates that they did a good job even if they struck out at the plate. When it was Marissa's turn to bat, she wanted to do the best job she could to help the team. I remember how determined Marissa was to succeed at everything she did...I was also on the track team with Marissa sophomore year. She was a good track athlete, and she made the practices fun for everyone. Marissa was nice to everyone and liked to make jokes. I was lucky to be in one of her classes senior year...She always had a funny story to tell and was really easy to talk to. She could brighten the mood of anyone who was having a bad day. Her smile was contagious, and it was tough not to laugh at stupid things you did in her presence. Marissa will never be forgotten, because people have so many fond memories of her. Rest in Peace Marissa!

I remember when we were young.  Your mother brought you to Grandma Vitko's (Aunt Margaret's) to visit and I was there and we played with my dollhouse and talked I can't remember about what.  But that's my memory.  We miss you.

          Attending Poland High School brought about meeting a lot of new people for me. Marissa and her brother Mike were two of them. Although I knew Mike much more from eventually attending OSU with him, while still in high school and summers home from college I would often see Marissa out at friends houses. We hung out with a lot of the same people and always had a good time no matter what we were doing. There was always laughter and happiness when Marissa would hang out with all of us. Going to Ohio State was made much easier due to being friends with Mike, I knew how he acted and treated people was the same as Marissa did. It was so blatant how good of a person Marissa was and how much she took after Mike. My junior year at OSU I took a GEC class which half way through I realized Marissa was in with me. Although my memories with her are few I will remember what I have.

        To the the Plakosh family,

  May the Lord bless you and keep you,

May his face shine up you,

  And give you Peace.

  

-John Risi

My memories of Marrisy:

 

I remember you as a baby and toddler.  You loved music!  For Christmas Uncle Joe and I bought you a Fisher Price Cassette/Headset.  You immediately took to it, and put it on.  That same year you got a rocking horse and rode it with your headset on screaming "Cowabunga Dudes".  I remember taking you to the Boardman Witch Walk and carrying you the entire time.  You were so easy to please.  As you grew we went boating on the river and you rode the sea-doo with your Uncle.  He said you had a need for speed! 

 

Cooking for holiday dinners was always easy.  You were NEVER picky and ate everything on your plate.  You had a fondness for steaks, cold shrimp, strawberries, and Aunt Michelle's chocolate pies.  I enjoyed having you over for dinner.

 

I remember one day hearing Lexie barking from somewhere in the house.  Someone had put her in the bathroom and closed the door.  You loved to joke!

 

This past year I purchased a pink purse for you.  You made me feel so good when you told me:  "Aunt Michelle, if I were to pick this out for myself, I would have picked the exact same thing".  I loved buying things for you as you were always so grateful. 

 

Your grandma and grandpa miss you terribly.  I remember you calling Grandpa's van the "Turtle Van".  He loved to take you to ride the go-cart, and as you got older, golfing  One summer you told me that all you wanted to do the entire summer was golf, you loved it so!

 

Our lives will never be the same.  You touched so many hearts, including mine.  I only wish I had you back for one more day to tell you how much you are loved.  I know without a doubt that you are watching over your family helping us through this and protecting us. 

 

Your Uncle and my hearts ache.  We cannot understand why you have been taken from us so soon.  We have resolved to not try to figure this out as we never will.  Our lives are missing something vital, and will never be the same. 

 

Thank you Marrisy.......thank you for being a part of our lives. 

                    

Wanted to let you both know you and your family are in my prayers. She was and will continue to be such a beautiful young lady. To her friends; remember the memories of her, because they will last a lifetime.

Anything you need, you know I am here for you and your family.

Much Love,

Cousin Jen

Mike and Jeanne,

    You have the sympathy of all of the Chuberko's from PA.  I did not learn about this tragedy until quite some time after this occurred. 

Words cannot express how I feel about what had happened.  I regret not knowing you to well.   I wish I could go back in time and start over.  We Miss You.

When I heard this song, I instantly thought of Marissa:

 

 

 

"You meant so much to all of us
you were special and thats no lie
you brightened up the darkest day
and the cloudiest sky

your smile alone warmed hearts
your laugh was like music to hear
I would give absolutely anything
to have you well and standing near

not a second passes
when you're not on our minds
your love we will never forget
the hurt will ease in time

many tears I have seen and cried
they have all poured out like rain
I know that you are happy now
and no longer in any pain"

 

 

 

Marissa,

you are forever in your hearts, forever on our minds, forever loved, forever missed, and never to be forgotten. RIP.

 

 

 

love you,

 

Kate