Dr. Marilyn Alice Marsh

Dr. Marilyn Alice Marsh

Marilyn Alice Marsh (née McCue), born on August 18, 1935, passed away peacefully on September 9, 2026, surrounded by the love and care of her son, Jon Marsh, and daughter-in-law, Rose Marsh, at their home in Downingtown, Pennsylvania. She cherished her time there, especially sitting on the back porch, soaking in the Downingtown sunshine, watching her beloved dogs, Lucy and Clyde, and enjoying the peaceful presence of the koi fish.

Marilyn lived a remarkable life dedicated to education, and advocacy. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Nebraska State College in Elementary Education, Psychology, and Mathematics; a Master of Science degree from San Diego State University in Rehabilitation Counseling and Curriculum Development; and a Doctor of Education degree from the University of South Dakota in Educational Administration and Special Education Administration.

Marilyn possessed an extensive educational background and a wealth of professional experience. Throughout her distinguished career, she taught at both the elementary and junior high school levels, specializing in mathematics and science. She also gained valuable experience teaching in inner-city schools in San Diego. Her leadership roles included serving as an elementary school principal, personnel director, administrative assistant to the superintendent, and director of special education. These accomplishments reflected her lifelong commitment to learning, leadership, and helping others reach their full potential.

Marilyn was married to David Marsh of Sioux City, Iowa, for 25 years. Together, they shared a life rooted in family and education. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Marilyn was a trailblazer in the women's movement at the National Organization for Women (NOW), helping to pave the way for future generations of women leaders. Throughout her life, she was known as a champion of the underdog, always advocating for those whose voices were not easily heard. Her faith guided her throughout her life, and she remained a devoted member of the Lutheran Church.

Marilyn is survived by her two children, Julie Cunningham and Jon Marsh.

She is lovingly remembered by her daughter Julie and her husband, Pat Cunningham, in Texas , and their family: Tawnia Cummings and her husband, Robert Cummings and their children, Alice and Ben Cummings; Brian Cunningham and his wife, Daniele Cunningham, and their children, Parker and Max Cunningham. She is also lovingly remembered by her son Jon and his wife, Rose Marsh, along with their children and grandchildren: JonnaRose Short, her husband, Harry Short, and their daughters, Kayla and Izabella Short; Jacob Marsh and his children, Theodore, Elizabeth, and Alexander Marsh.

Marilyn is further survived by her sisters, Elaine Lingren and Jeanine Forney, brother-in-law, James Forney and sister-in-law, Karen McCue.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Vernon and Alice McCue; brothers, Robert and David McCue; and great-grandson, Theodore (Teddy) Cummings.

Marilyn will be remembered for her intelligence, courage, compassion, and dedication to education and social justice. Her legacy lives on through her family, the students she inspired, the educators she mentored, and all whose lives were enriched by her kindness and leadership.

Her life was a testament to faith, perseverance, service, and love, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Esperanza Immigration Legal Services (EILS) https://www.esperanza.us/eils/

Services are private.