Near and Dear

I am so grateful for all the wonderful memories I have of Marnie and of the time we spent together. It breaks my heart to think there will be no new memories made but Marnie will always be near and dear in my heart. I am constantly amazed with how many reminders of Marnie pop up everyday.....photos, gifts Marnie sent, things we got together, the dogs, sharing stories with friends, the list never seems to end- she is everywhere. Marnie touched so many lives, she will live on forever in all of us. (Ellie Mason)


Even though Marnie spent so much time way from the snow, she never stopped loving it :)

Every adventure was well documented when Marnie was around!

Palomo was never far from Marnie's side, despite everything she put him through :)

Brantera

¡Oye Marina! ¡Haces falta!
Hey Marnie! We miss you!
A la hora de bailar, reir, celebrar
Salsa, polka, rock-n-roll
Sol and snow
I smile wider
Dream bigger
Stand taller
For having known you
Haces falta…
(Adrian Gall)

I miss her

I'm not sure where I should start, I miss her so much. She is in my thoughts everyday and I think I cry about every other day. Marnie and I spent a lot of time together, especially last summer, I cherish those moments. She was a loving, caring, giving, free spirit and an incredible friend. What I would give to have one more moment with her. It has been comforting to read the stories you have all shared.
The picture I have posted is of my daughter, Antigonee, and Marnie at the 4th of July parade in Minturn, Colorado. There was a petting zoo at the parade. When we took my daughter to see all the animals a couple of waterfowl ran away, Marnie went running after them, grabbed two ducks and came running back, of course, with a big smile. The owners of the petting zoo where very grateful and my daughter got a good laugh out of it. That was Marnie, always helping someone out and having a good time doing it.
Miss and love you Marnie!
-Liz

Still in our thoughts

The months keep changing with fall quickly approaching here in Alaska, and Marnie is still very much in our thoughts. I revisited many places with many great memories over the summer that made me smile, but could not fill the empty place that Marnie left behind. I wanted to post a few photos I found this weekend from a trip Marnie and I took to visit Jeff and Ellie in Delta Junction around this time 2 years ago. I remember seeing the Northern Lights for the first time that year with Marnie on our late night drive back to Anchorage.(Dan Rizzolo)

Marnie's Mexico

John Terenzi and I recently returned to Pedregal, and we both enjoyed the chance to climb Mount Cineza, walk in the desert, and enjoy the bay once again. It was a great time to be there, with spring flowers tentatively blooming and the bay's birds slowly departing. It was also a nice chance to share in Marnie's Mexico again: obligatory trips to Poblano's for tacos, greeting her many friends in town, and the simple enjoyment of Baja's sights and sounds. We had been told that the soon-to-be-completed animal shelter would be named in Marnie's memory, and we spent part of an afternoon at the site on the outskirts of town. I think that Marnie would be flattered that such a great facility were named in her honor, and I'm sure the town's wayward dogs will appreciate it as well. We were especially thankful to revisit Marnie's lovely memorial site on the slopes of Mount Cineza. We visited towards sunset on our last evening, and were amazed by the beautiful transformation of the site. Marnie's close friend Joaquin has spent hours and hours of time creating a lovely, peaceful spot. Surrounded by the arms of the bay, a gently curving path of fresh volcanic cinders leads to a lovely shrine surrounded by sculpted sea stones, desert succulents, and a low stone bench. Joaquin mentioned to us that he would never feel as if the site were 'finished', as it was a true labor of love that entailed no real completion. I can appreciate this feeling of wanting more for Marnie, and the memorial site is a stunning testimony to the love and happiness that Marnie created. I hope that others might have the opportunity to visit the memorial in the future; it is beautiful. Thank you, Joaquin. (Posted by Dan Ruthrauff).

Anchorage Memorial Service

On a beautiful, sunny late-winter Saturday in Anchorage, Campbell Creek Science Center filled with friends of Marnie Shepherd to remember and celebrate her life. The snow-covered Chugach Mountains that Marnie so loved created a beautiful backdrop for the ceremony. George Rakos lead the service which included live music played by Ann Harding on cello, and Angela Palmer on violin, as well as a slideshow of photos of Marnie set to some of her favorite music that was put together by Naomi Bargmann. Many shared their memories of Marnie’s fun-loving and free-spirited nature, and of her competency as a Wildlife Biologist. Many others who could not be in attendance had their written thoughts and memories read to the audience. Marnie Shepherd was a wonderful friend and colleague to many in the Anchorage community. Her positive influence will carry on in us; we love her very much and always will.

Memorial funds

These three funds were established because of the impact they had on Marnie's life and the impact she had on the institutions.

1. The Leelanau School
In Memory of Marnie Lee Shepherd, Class 1995
One Old Homestead Road
Glen Arbor
Michigan 49636-9720

Marnie went to high school here her senior year and it changed her life and the love of the environment.

2. Marnie Lee Shepherd Memorial Fund
Adaptive Sports Association
P.O., Box 1884
Durango, CO 81302
970-259-0374

Marnie was a volunteer for Adaptive Sports, Durango's premier outdoor education program for people with disabilities during college at Ft. Lewis. She was involved with the inception of the snowboarding program opening more doors for people with disabilities. The contributions will be used for a scholarship for future snowboard participants within ASA.

3. Alaska Bird Observatory
In Memory of Marnie Lee Shepherd
P.O. Box 80505
Fairbanks, AK 99708

The Alaska Bird Observatory funds education, research and other programs for the environment which Marnie committed her life to and loved.


Thank you for your help.

Dave & Jonnie Shepherd

Auntie Marnie

My Auntie Marnie taught us about nature and birds and underwater creatures and pollution. She would take us on long walks with Tecate and even let us hold the leash when my parents weren't looking. She would stay in the pool with us long after everone had gone home. What I really liked about Auntie was that she always knew what made me happy. She was kind and always gave us big giant smiles. I am lucky to have had her love.

Brianna age 9

Marnie was the definition of fun. To our kids the fun began and ended with her. They loved her so much because she was the kind of Auntie who would dig in the dirt, do cannonballs into the pool, send bird feathers in their birthday cards, play with gooey and discusting things, let them touch things their parents wouldn't have allowed. She sent them fresh raw salmon overnight along with a picture of her catching it. Showed them the pictures she took of walrus heads, rattle snakes, and tarantulas. And everyone had there Alaska sweatshirts and Mexican T-shirts. Most of all they knew without hesitation that she loved them with all she had.

My Sister

While the loss of my sister is tragic in countless ways, I consider myself lucky to have shared twenty nine years of life with her. I could never put into words what she meant to me and my family. Marnie is a beautiful soul who gave freely of herself, was a person of great loyalty, integrity and honesty. Our lives are forever changed, but she has left behind an impression on our hearts that will last forever. I used to tell her she was the best person I had ever met and I really meant it. From all the letters, phone calls, emails, etc... that have been pouring in, I know a few people felt the same. Marnie brought such joy and laughter into our lives. We always looked forward to hearing about her latest adventures. From rushing the Colorado river, to complete isolation on the Delta, to the mountains of Alaska, to the deserts of Mexico, Marnie was one with nature... then, now and always. I love you Marnie.

Kellie

Forever my best friend

Marnie is my oldest and truest friend. I will forever miss her love, warmth and genuine spirit. I live in the house and neighborhood where we grew up in Lincolnshire, Illinois. When I walk in the basement I remember endless sleepovers and wrestle tournaments. Marnie and I would wrestle and she would always beat me. I often walk by her parent’s old house and remember all of the memories. Sneaking people in at night, trying to be quiet not to wake up her parents, jumping on the trampoline. Marnie was my strength, as I was always scared of getting caught. In high school, we would get our “regular” through the McDonalds drive through. We would drive the Pontiac everywhere. Everyone loved Marnie. I just attended my ten year reunion in August, and the first words out of everyone’s mouths were “how is Marnie?” After high school, we backpacked England and Scotland. One adventurous night, Marnie drank too much English cider. She was walking outside by a castle. She thought what she was walking on was grass, it was really lily pads. She kept saying, Megan I fell in a moat and there was quick sand. I said Marnie, I think that it wasn’t quick sand but too many ciders. We had a blast. Later, when we were in college, I studied abroad in Italy, Marnie visited me and we hit every Irish Pub in the city of Florence. About three years ago, Marnie came to Chicago to attend my wedding. She was on the dance floor and the life of the party. I keep watching my wedding video to hold on to those precious moments. On the dance floor, she screams out “Megan I love you.” I would like to take this moment to tell you Marnie, I love you too! Six months ago she sent my son a stuffed animal moose from Alaska. We snuggle it every night and we always will. Auntie Marnie will forever be in our hearts and dreams. I wake up every night and see her face. We will see each other again.

Megan Rogers-Schultz
Getting the munchies after the pubs in England (summer 1995)




Trying to sleep on a train while backpacking in England (summer 1995).


Megan, Marnie and Cara hanging out at a youth Hostel in Endinborough, Scotland (summer 1995).





Shelby, Marnie, Megan and cara all together in England (summer 1995).

Big Smile, Big Squid

This was a picture taken last winter in Baja, while we were down there working with Marnie. We had rolled out onto the bay early one morning to set up nets, and in the twilight of dawn somebody spotted dozens of squid washed up in the intertidal zone. We hopped out of the panga and started grabbing them, and during the excitement I snapped this picture of Marnie. This is one of my favorite photos of her - big smile and all, it reminds me of her fun loving spirit and the joy that she brought to everybody, whether in the field or in the office. We miss you! Erin Bohman & Charles Eldermire.

A Poem

I was fortunate to explore and work with Marnie in two places she loved, Baja and Alaska. With this diamante poem (a form of poetry I taught to my students) I was trying to capture her life in 2 different places. She was an amazing woman and will always have a place in my heart. The picture (Kate, Marnie, and I) was taken on a beach in Baja after a Thanksgiving dinner. Diana Brann

Marnie at Manokinak

Working with Marnie in the field was always a joy, keeping up with her long legs not always! You could always count on her for a Cosmo to read and a smile. She was passionate about being outdoors and that passion rubbed off on all of us who were lucky enough to share that time with her. The first photo is Marnie crossing the duck head slough at an extremely high tide, in a trusty (and leaky) belly boat! She just had to check one more nest. The second is Marnie after web tagging emperor goose goslings.
Trish, Jeff and Panga

that smile is everywhere...

here's a photo from ellie's bachlorette party last spring. that was such a great time with so many really beautiful and wonderful women, and marnie was a huge part of it. as hard as it is to lose her, i feel fortunate to have so many memories to hold onto - hellish field work @ aropuk, running in Homer, dog times in Anchorage... every one of them makes me chuckle and shake my head. her life and her death have touched me deeply, certainly my life is richer because of her. love that girl. (Julie Morse) 

Gotta love this girl!

What do you say about Marnie? I don't know how to express how much she meant to me, funny thing is that I think anyone who knew Marnie knows exactly how I feel about her. Marnie and I had so many good times together and had also shared in many hard times, its during the hard times when you discover your friends best traits. Everyone should be so lucky to have a friend like Marnie in their life. I can only hope that we can all learn something about friendship from knowing Marnie and try to be a friend like that to another.

These two photos capture Marnie's enthusiastic, adventurous and fun-loving spirit. The first photo shows Marnie skateboarding INSIDE our friend's house in Gonzaga Bay, Baja- we spent a few days there last spring helping him build his adobe house, although in the end we probably did more damage and drank more beer than we actually helped. The second was taken on top of O'Malley peak in Anchorage a few years ago- I would have stopped much sooner but Ole Shepherd had to "bag the peak" and of course she was right it was amazing......just like her. Ellie Mason

Mrs. Roper

Marnie made me laugh. a lot. She was a good listener and friend. I always looked forward to her coming back from her adventures in Mexico and Colorado, but this time she's not coming back and it breaks my heart. I will always treasure my memories of Marnie, most of them shared with other friends; but mostly the time that we spent together the summer she was sub-letting Julie's cabin in Fairbanks -sitting on the porch in the evenings, smoking cigarettes and having philosophical conversations (and some not-so serious conversations) about dogs, life, and love. We miss you. (Shiway)

Ray of Sunshine

Marnie's smile will forever be a ray of sunshine in the hearts of many. Like others, I have struggled to understand what happened. I will never find an answer, but I find solace in knowing her love for others and the joy she brought us was genuine. Marnie is shown here paddling the the Yukon River and camping out along the Top of the World highway in July of 2003. (Randy Mullen)

A Great Friend

Icefall Lake 2004. This series of photos is from Icefall Lake in southeast Alaska in 2004. It was taken by our boss Jerry Hupp. We were capturing geese and I had forgotten my hipwaders, but, of course, needed to cross a deeper-than-my-boots stream. Marnie carried me across the stream on her back without either of us getting wet, contrary to everyone's expectations. She was that kind of friend. (Dan Rizzolo)

Memories of Marnie

Please use the comment section for this posting to share your stories and memories of Marnie.

Alaska Memorial

A memorial has been planned for Marnie on March 25th at the Campbell Creek Science Center.  

The service will begin at 3 PM and will be followed by snacks and coffee.  

George Rakos has kindly agreed to lead the service and there will also
be an opportunity for everyone to share their thoughts and memories of Marnie.  

If you aren't able to make it on the 25th, and would like to send a written message
with someone who is attending, your note will be read at the service. 
Hope to see you all there.

Marnie and her dogs

Leaving Chevak, Ak with Kashunuk 2004

Marnie and Palomo on the Kenai in AK

Tecate at Playa Malarrimmo

May 2005

Baja ceremony

Marnie passed away on February 24, 2006 near her home in San Quintin, Baja California, Mexico. A service attended by family and many close friends, was held in front of her home on March 2nd. The following day her ashes were scattered in the desert by her family: mother and father (Dave and Jonnie Shepherd), sister and brother-in-law (Kellie and Jim Benedict), uncle (Mike) and cousin (Mike Jr.).

How to post your message

***Please note changes made to the sign-in process in February 2015***
This is an interactive website created by "Friends of Marnie" where friends and family can post and view their memories and tributes. If you need information on how to sign-in, please contact either Ellie Mason, Dan Rizzolo, or send an email to mls_memorial@hotmail.com.

Marnie