I am riding in loving memory of my late stepmother, Marisa Alfano. After defeating thyroid cancer 15 years ago, she fought a triple-negative breast cancer for 14 months before it spread to her lungs, even electing to undergo and complete proton radiation therapy despite the grim prognosis.
She was a steady, guiding presence in my life—helping me through the uncertainty of my teenage years, the challenges of divorce, and later, rebuilding after career and relationship setbacks. She also cared for Richard, my father, with unwavering devotion—more than once taking quick action during a health crisis that made all the difference.
Marisa lived fully. She traveled widely of the 42 states she visited- I will always cherish our Irish Coffee’s in San Francisco, Italian Restaurants in New York, and her A+ restaurant choices that saved an otherwise disastrous ski trip Breckenridge.
She had a gift for creating beauty at home.
Her impeccable taste in design made every space welcoming, and her cooking was extraordinary—meals that were as much about the experience as the food, with every plate and table setting thoughtfully crafted. In fact, she once unknowingly prepared a Pumpkin Pie with a ultra rare bottle of bourbon I had gifted them from Japan.
She embodied resilience, courage, wisdom, and generosity. She never sought recognition—her reward was knowing she had helped, comforted, or made life better for someone else.
Marisa made the lives around her richer and steadier. And while we will miss her deeply, we can honor her by living as she did—with strength, with care, and with the quiet intention to make every moment count.
https://www.moneyandking.com/obits/marisa-alfano/
BellRinger Weekend 2026 — October 23-24
My Dashboard
