Marina “Marnie” Lynn Waiwat, 55 sadly passed away at her home in Easton on October 1st.
Marnie was born in CT on January 21, 1968, and lived in Easton throughout her youth. She attended Greens Farms Academy, and ultimately graduated from Joel Barlow High School in 1986. After graduation, she spent a gap year with close friends in London, and then went on to Boston University, where she graduated with a degree in psychology. She then moved to Los Angeles, where she worked at Zyan Communications, an ISP where she made many more lifelong friends. One of those friends noted “She was always so fun and friendly, and everyone got along with her.” This sentiment echoes how the vast majority of people who knew Marnie over the years felt about her.
Marnie returned to Easton in 2002 to care for her ailing mother. She brought with her a passion for community service, volunteerism and most especially, her love for animals. She served on the board of the Lion’s Club, volunteered with the Easton Historical Society and was instrumental in helping to build the Easton Animal Shelter. Animals were Marnie’s greatest passion, and her many furry family members over the years were everything to her.
In 2016, Marnie channeled that passion into building a successful business dedicated to the care of animals, “Together By My Side,” along with her friend and partner, Thomas Hagopian. Her four-legged clients adored her, and her many of her charges’ parents often sought her out for her knowledge of all things pet-related.
Marnie was a unique soul with a heart of gold, always trying to help others in need. She was a wine connoisseur and foodie, loved hiking with her dogs, the arts, glamping, cooking, and going to great restaurants. She loved to attend live concerts, had a passion for fashion and for watching a good horror movie. Marnie was also fierce advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, worked hard to ensure all are welcome in Easton and was a big part of the Easton Pride launch efforts. She will be deeply missed by her friends, her clients, her Easton community, the many humans and animals she touched in her short lifetime, and most of all, by her dear friend, business partner and constant companion, Thomas.
Marnie is predeceased by her mother, Suzanne Marguerite Waiwat, her father, Edward Dunn Waiwat, her beloved pups Luxie, Zion and Bliss and many other cherished pets.
A celebration of life will be held in Easton at a date in the near future. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Easton Animal Shelter, 700 Morehouse Rd., Easton, CT in memory of Marnie.
