Marina Calavitta

Celebrating the Life of Marina Calavitta "I am happy." [Buffalo, NY] - Marina Calavitta, 61, concluded her remarkable life surrounded by those who loved her most. Born on January 24, 1963, in Komi, Russia, Marina lived a vibrant life exploring almost every corner of the earth. She captured the world's beauty and multiplied it through her lens, both as a photographer and with the strokes of her paintbrush. Her journey included raising the extraordinary Irina, whom she cherished as the best person she knew, beautiful inside and out. In her recent years, Marina found joy in being the cherished 'Babu' to her darling grandchildren, whom she affectionately referred to as Edinka and Sashinka. She is survived by her husband, James Anthony Calavitta, daughter Irina Ryan (nee Shuvalova), son-in-law Edwin James Ryan IV, step-daughter Lily Calavitta, brother Igor Istomin, sister Tatyana Larina, mother Galina Popukalova, and the 'lights of her life," her grandsons, Edwin "Edinka" James Ryan V and Aleksander "Sashinka" Theodore Ryan. Marinas worldly path began in Komi and took her to Saint Petersburg for University, to Tallinn, Estonia, where she advanced her geophysicist career and raised Irina, to Jamestown, NY, and Holiday, FL, with James, and finally to her last chapter in Buffalo, NY. There, she adored spending time conversing, cooking and appointment viewing of ABC News Tonight with David Muir with her daughter, and indulging in playful moments, arts & crafts, and delightful photoshoots with her grandchildren. Celebrating Marinas enduring mark on the world wouldn't be complete without recalling cherished memories that defined her spirit. The love shared between Marina and Irina was a profound connection that transcended traditional mother-daughter bonds. Summer nights on the back porch were filled with playful arguments and contagious laughter, blurring the lines between mother and daughter, often leaving us wondering if they were really mother and daughter or rather sisters or even best friends. Marina's watchful eye even extended to social media, where she would check in with Ed about Irinas well-being if even two hours passed without her seeing Instagram activity from Irina. Despite her petite stature, Marina's presence knew no physical dimensions, radiating a larger-than-life essence that left an indelible impact on everyone fortunate enough to cross her path. In our talks preceding her premature passing, she exuded thankfulness, reminding those close to her that she had seen the world, spent winters on white sand beaches, watched her daughter marry someone she loved as her own, and joyously embraced grandmotherhood. 'I am happy' with a big smile is how she wants to be remembered. In celebrating Marina, the family suggests showing gratitude for the little things, reminding loved ones they're important, and maybe tidying up the house a bit, as Marina would. A memorial service will be held on Monday, February 5, 2024, from 4 pm to 6 pm at Lombardo Funeral Home, 885 Niagara Falls Blvd, Amherst, NY 14226. Let us come together to honor the extraordinary life of Marina Calavitta, remembering her not with tears but with the joy she brought into our lives. Services Visitation Monday February 5, 2024 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM Lombardo Funeral Home (Northtowns Chapel) 885 Niagara Falls Blvd. Amherst, NY 14226