Marina Jean Douse

December 13, 1977 - October 31, 2018

On December 13, 1977, the world was given a precious gift to those who were willing to open their hearts, eyes, and minds. Marina Jean Douse has left us to join her grandparents and God, who will welcome her with open arms. From the moment she was born, it was evident she was different. But looking past those differences and into her eyes, she taught the world the true meaning of unconditional love. Marina's challenges were monumental, but her spirit was strong. Her profound physical and intellectual challenges stemmed from chromosomal abnormalities that were determined to be one of a kind. No other person known has been charged with the same set of abnormalities. Despite her challenges, she fought to lead as full a life as possible. She was never able to speak, walk, or understand most of daily life, but she could giggle and manage to melt your heart with her smiles. She could, however, chew the heck out of a blanket! Marina attended the Marvin Beekman Center in Lansing and had the privilege to live in the same neighborhood as Mr. Beekman, who would stop by to visit. In 2000, she moved to Nashville, Michigan with her parents and attended the Eaton County Intermediate School until her "graduation" in 2004. Later she attended the Positive Directions program at Algonquin Lake. Marina had many experiences with the medical community and her difficult to manage health care needs were recognized by the Sparrow Hospital caregivers. Marina was an impactful patient, inspiring change and innovative uses of technology. For the past year, the Sparrow I.T. Department has been developing a "Complex Care" program that will soon be unveiled. Her legacy will serve countless other patients as it will continue to grow and transform how care is delivered. She leaves behind a devoted mother and father, Debbe Downing Douse and Kermit Douse of Nashville; her loving brother, Justin Douse; sister-in-law, Sandi Douse; and nephew and niece, Austin and Bailey Douse, all of Mason, MI. Included in her extended family are many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Marina on her Tribute Page at www.PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.