Marissa Punyawai

Marissa Javier Punyawai, age 68, of Rochester, Minnesota, passed away on February 22, 2025 at her residence. Born on April 21, 1956 in Bacolod City, Philippines, she was the beloved daughter of Felipe, Jr. and Alicia (Coscolluela) Javier.

Marissa was raised in the Philippines, where she pursued her education and attained a bachelor's degree in nursing. She married the love of her life, Surasak Punyawai in Thailand, and they were together for 47 years.

Following her marriage, she worked as a teacher in Thailand before relocating to the United States. In Rochester, she became a dedicated pediatric psychiatry nurse at Mayo Clinic, where she stayed for most of her career. She was greatly respected in her role and often cited by coworkers as a source of inspiration with her devotion to helping others. Working at Mayo Clinic for 17 years, she has received both the Daisy Award and the Karis Award - a prestigious honor representing her extraordinary dedication to patient care.

An ardent folk dancer, Marissa not only enjoyed this expressive art form but also shared her passion by teaching it to others. During her time in the Philippines, she was a professional folk dancer with the Ramon Obusan Folk Dance Co, captivating audiences with her graceful performances. Additionally, Marissa was actively involved in her community, volunteering with Jail Ministry and an orphanage in the Philippines, embodying her spirit of service and love for others.

For her entire life, Marissa was an incredibly inspirational, kind, and selfless person. She would often go out of her way to help others, but to her it was effortless. In any way she could, she always offered whatever she could to others in need. Across her life, she's touched many with her kindness and left behind a plethora of stories illustrating her giving spirit, but there would be far too many to share all at once.

Marissa is survived by her devoted husband, Surasak Punyawai; her daughter, May (Nathan) Simon; and her son, Paul (Elsa) Punyawai and her four grandchildren: Mina, Franchezka, Niran, and Rennae. She is also survived by her siblings: Felipe Javier III, Grace (Glenn) Ayala, and Victor (Hazel Joy) Javier. She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother, and two sisters, one of whom was her identical twin.

Funeral services will be Friday February 28, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home (5421 Royal PL. NW, Rochester, MN). A visitation will be Thursday February 27, 2025, from 4:00-7:00 PM at Ranfranz and Vine and one hour prior to the service on Friday.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Punyawai family; to share a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com