MADISON- Marina Kristina Kitzrow, age 34, of Madison, passed away on Sunday, November 8, 2026, in her childhood home. She was born on September 24, 1992, in Samara, Russia, the daughter of David and Andrea Kitzrow.

Marina was a member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church and school where she attended school from Pre-K to 8th grade. She graduated from Verona Area High School in 2012 and earned her Certified Nursing Certificate in 2013. She worked as a Nursing Assistant at Attic Angel before finding her passion for working with children and transitioning to caring for children at Kids Junction. She had a special place in her heart for kids with special needs and worked as a Special Education Assistant at Country View Elementary School followed by her last - and absolute favorite- job at Badger Ridge Middle School in Verona.

Marina was naturally inquisitive and had a deep love of learning, particularly when it came to Roman history and Greek mythology. She found joy in life’s simple pleasures: getting lost in a good novel, taking long walks, savoring a perfectly made cappuccino, and pausing to admire a beautiful sunset. She loved playing volleyball with friends and coaching middle school volleyball and basketball. A devoted movie lover, Marina was known for quoting favorite lines from classic films, from The Princess Bride to Pirates of the Caribbean. She also had a special love for musicals and theater and was thrilled to see Two Strangers Carry a Cake across New York on Broadway with her sister, Olesya, this past June.

Above all, Marina treasured time spent with her family, whether at home or on the many trips they shared. She especially looked forward to the family's frequent visits to the Black Hills of South Dakota, where she delighted in hiking, horseback riding, and taking the train. Their holiday trips to Chicago were another cherished tradition, filled with memorable visits to Macy’s, museums, and the Christkindlmarket.

Marina is survived by her parents, David and Andrea Kitzrow; brother, Alexander Kitzrow; sister, Olesya (Stephen) Van Horne; grandmother, Joyce Kitzrow; uncles, Tom (Garnet) Collett, Troy Kitzrow and Pete Scott; aunt, Wilma Alvarez; great-aunt and great-uncle, Robert (Ruth) Baker; cousins, Katelyn Kitzrow, Jonathan Kitzrow, Cody Collett, Corrie (Joe) Warner, Stacy Collett, Dawn Collett and Lori Collett; and support dog, Dakota Cowboy.

She was preceded in death by her grandfathers, Donald Kitzrow and Willard Leith; and grandmother, Garnet Leith.

Private services will be held for family and friends.

Memorials may be made to the UW Carbone Cancer Center Greatest Need Fund. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson West
Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Ave.
(608) 831-6761

Marina Kristina Kitzrow

September 24, 1992 - November 08, 2026

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