Marissa Jean Key

Marissa Jean Key, 31, a devoted mother, sister, and daughter, went home to be with our Lord Thursday June 20th, 2024 after a 9 year battle with systemic scleroderma. She was born on November 25, 1992 in Pittsburgh to Paul Key Sr. and the late Mary Ann E. Taper.  Her final moments were spent sharing jokes, laughter, memories, and plenty of tears. She passed peacefully surrounded by her family and close friends. 
Marissa was a student at Valley High School, completed her GED, and was taking medical coding and billing classes to sit for the (CPC) exam, it was during this time that her definitive diagnosis came. Although due to medical reasons she was unable to finish, she went on to work as a caregiver for those with the most need, allowing them the joy and familiarity of receiving care in the comfort of their own homes. She did all of this while enduring her own autoimmune disease in the process. Growing up, Marissa was active in her church’s youth and mime group. She was a strong believer in God, and held on tight to her faith while enduring the debilitating side effects of scleroderma and treatments. Ever since she was a little girl, Marissa enjoyed being on the go, attending events, and being surrounded by people in general. Marissa used humor to bring laughter and joy to everyone she encountered. 
Known for her witty attitude, generosity, and big heart, Marissa had a passion for people. She never met a stranger. She grew up surrounded by a ton of family, friends, and her church family at Rivers of Life Ministries. All of whom played a part in the woman that Marissa grew to be. Despite the many struggles that she may have had, Marissa was loved dearly and will be missed by all who knew her. Her family asks that she be remembered for the joy she brought to others in life, not the sadness of her passing. 
She is survived by her daughter Thelia G. Key and sister Crystal A. Riggs of New Kensington, her uncle Scott A.Taper of Palo Alto, Calif., and a host of cousins. She was preceded in death by: her mother, Mary Ann E. Taper, Grandmother, Thelma Moody Taper, Grandfather, Dempsey Nolan, Uncle, Jimmy Nolan, Aunts, Christine Taper Kitchens, Lois J. Green, and Geraldine D’argan. Cousins, Christopher Garland, Juan D’argan, David “Tony” D’argan, Orlando “Lanny” D’argan, Michelle D’argan, Tanell Williams, Nekisha D’argan, and Zachariah White. 

A viewing will be held at ROSS G. WALKER FUNERAL HOME LTD.,  217 Freeport Road, New Kensington, on Friday, June 28, 2024 from 5-8 PM. The service will be held at Rivers of Life Ministries, 204 McCandless Street, Arnold, with the family receiving friends from 11 am until a service commences at 12:00 Noon. In lieu of flowers and gifts the family ask that you engage with the non-profit Scleroderma Research Foundation  www.srfcure.org on all platforms and consider donating in order to advance research . June is SCLERODERMA AWARENESS MONTH!

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