Marina Balbalan Gran
June 22, 1930 – June 29, 2026
Marina Gran
Marina Balbalan Gran, age 96, passed away peacefully in her sleep on June 29, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family and the memories of a life beautifully lived.
Marina was born in Burgos, Ilocos Sur, Philippines, the youngest of six children born to Romualdo Balbalan and Agustina Quiabang. She attended Baguio College, earning an elementary school teaching certificate preparing her for a life of service, learning, and caring for others.
On May 25, 1955, Marina married the love of her life, Salvador Gran. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, generosity, and community.
After immigrating to Honolulu, Hawaii, Marina and Salvador eventually settled in Seattle, Washington, where they made their home for the remainder of their lives.
Marina enjoyed traveling the world with her husband, Salvador. Together, they generously supported improvements to their rural parish churches in their home provinces in the Philippines.
A woman of deep Catholic faith, Marina was an active member of St. Edward Church, where she faithfully served as a Eucharistic Minister, Sacristan, and Legion of Mary member. Each Sunday she also visited elderly parishioners who were unable to attend Mass, bringing them communion and the comforting presence of her faith and friendship. Her quiet devotion and willingness to serve reflected the compassion and kindness she showed throughout her life.
Marina and her husband were also active members of BIBAK of the Pacific Northwest dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich culture of the Cordillera tribes, collectively known as the Igorot, ethnic groups native to the Cordillera Mountain Range in Luzon, Philippines. Through BIBAK, they celebrated their heritage and helped preserve the traditions, music, and culture of the Cordillera people while building lasting friendships within the community.
Marina was the devoted mother of six children and was deeply proud of her family. Her home was a place of warmth, laughter, and welcome — and her welcoming smile greeted everyone who walked through her door. Friends, relatives, and neighbors knew they could stop by and be met with open arms, a warm meal, and genuine hospitality. Marina and Salvador also opened their home to relatives new to the United States from the Philippines and those relocating from Hawaii, helping them become established and making them feel they truly belonged to the family and the Pacific Northwest.
For many years, Marina worked at Eddie Bauer, where her warmth, dedication, and strong work ethic earned her the respect of her colleagues and many accolades. Later, her love of children and education led her to work at International Children’s Daycare on Beacon Hill, where she found great joy in helping young children learn and grow.
Marina found great joy in gardening and had a gift for growing beautiful roses and different plants that flourished under her care. She also loved cooking and was beloved for her lumpia and many other delicious Filipino dishes that filled her table and brought her family together. Family gatherings were among her greatest joys, and she delighted in bringing people together around her table.
Above all, Marina will be remembered for her unwavering faith, positive spirit, welcoming heart, and unconditional love for her family and friends. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, service, hospitality, and love that will continue to inspire all who knew her.
She is survived by her six children: Marilyn Gran-Moravec (Brian), Myrna Gran Moffat (Jerry), Stella Gran-O’Donnell (Andrew), Sandy Gran (Julie), Mark Grantor (Marcy), and Stefan Gran (Corri); her eight grandchildren: Marcus, Marla (Rob), Sarah, Peter, Alexandra, Malia, Marley, and Kai; and her great granddaughter, Vivian. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Salvador, and her siblings Martina, Feliciano, Felix, Agapita, and Arturo.
Marina’s family finds comfort in knowing she has been reunited with her beloved Salvador and all those who went before her. Her love will remain forever in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.
3 Responses to “Marina Balbalan Gran”
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Though I was new to the family twenty years ago, when my daughter married Marina’s youngest son, Stefan, I was introduced and welcomed into Marina’s and Salvador’s lives during one especially memorable Christmas. They made it the best Christmas I’ve ever had with their warmth and acceptance. Though her passing leaves an immeasurable void in the lives of everyone she touched, her legacy will live on through her countless acts of kindness, generosity, and unconditional love. Rest in eternal peace, sweet Marina, while basking in God’s love.
Lola Marina made such a meaningful impact on my life. When our family first arrived in the United States, she welcomed us into her home and made us feel loved and cared for.
Some of my favorite memories are going to church with her every Wednesday to help clean and organize, then praying the rosary together. I also cherished our quiet mornings sharing breakfast and talking about life. In the evenings, we’d watch her favorite TV shows before going to bed. Those simple moments are memories I will always treasure.
One memory that will forever stay with me was when my mom was hospitalized for six weeks. Every morning, Lolo Sal would bring Lola Marina to the hospital, and she would stay with my mom until the evening. Her love, compassion, and unwavering support during that difficult time meant more to our family than words can express.
I am so grateful that I had the chance to tell her how much we loved her and how thankful and blessed we were for everything she had done for us. She gave so much of herself to others, and her kindness will never be forgotten.
Lola Marina, thank you for welcoming us into your home, for loving our family as your own, and for always being there when we needed you most. We miss you deeply, and we will always love you. May you rest peacefully in God’s loving embrace.
To the entire Gran clan,
My apologies for not being able to be there for Marina’s memorial. It is such a sad loss for everyone. She and Sal raised such a great family. I’m glad to have Stefan as part of our family. Please rest well knowing that Marina will be missed but not forgotten. We will all hold dear the many times that we were influenced by her. We will all enjoy thoughts of her. While Marina rests in peace, here’s wishing you all will live the rest of your days in peace with memories and happy thoughts.
All the best.