Obituary of Marina Kovrig

MARINA KOVRIG (nee Kuchar) Passed away on August 9, 2010 in Toronto at the age of 66. Warm, witty and always welcoming, Marina touched many lives with her generous spirit and will be deeply missed by her family and friends. Marina was born in Prague, grew up in Montreal and spent her adult life in Toronto. A graduate of Mount Allison University with artistic talent and temperament, she initially taught theatre arts and then founded a design and marketing company while raising her children.In the second half of her life Marina joined the Kuchar family business and ultimately became a Vice-President of Recochem, Inc., where she applied her skills in communication, government relations and management for over two decades. As the first woman to chair the Canadian Consumer Specialty Products Association, and as a board member of other organizations, she worked to raise public awareness and improve health, safety and environmental performance in the chemical industry.A passionate writer and public speaker, Marina loved, in her own words, "cooking, theatre, gardening and changing the world." She was also a certified sailor who often sought the gentle breezes of the British Virgin Islands.The beloved mother of Ariana and Michael, she also is survived by her father Joseph Kuchar, her sister Eva and her grandsons Sebastian and Kai.Marina supported several charitable causes, including the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), where donations may be made in her name in lieu of flowers. A ceremony and celebration of her life will be held in early September. Please contact michael@kovrig.net for information. Condolences and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com.