Marsha Ann Parkinson

Marsha was a caring and creative woman with an adventurous spirit. Her warm smile, disarming laugh and enthusiasm for life were gifts she shared with friends and strangers alike. She was a “doer,” quick to rise to a challenge whether it involved work, family, friends or volunteer activities.

Most important to Marsha was her role as loving mother, grandmother and wife. She and her husband Jan Parkinson have been married for 39 years. They have two daughters, Carrie Frazier of St. Augustine, FL, and Kirsten Parkinson who lives in Cleveland Heights, OH, with husband Frank Tascone. They also have four grandchildren: Valerie Fourt Fenton, Sarah Fourt, Gage Frazier and Sophia Tascone.

Marsha was born in Kansas City, MO, on March 16, 1944, and lived in the Argentine area with parents Charles and Helen Wilson until their home was flooded in 1951. She vividly remembered the floodwaters rushing down Strong Avenue. They moved to a brand new house in Prairie Village, where she graduated from Shawnee Mission East.

After attending Colorado University, Marsha’s first job was a TWA flight attendant on international routes. She later worked at the University of Rochester, Village Presbyterian Church, UMKC Athletic Department, YMCA and the offices of several local physicians. By far her favorite job was Executive Secretary for the President of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City, where she worked for 14 years before her retirement.

Marsha was a member of Colonial Church in Prairie Village for nearly four decades where she served in many capacities – both “official” positions and even more “unofficial” roles. Other recent volunteer activities include Ten Thousand Villages and Salvation Army Family Lodge in Olathe.

Marsha loved to travel. She and Jan visited countries in Europe, Asia and Central America, enjoyed several cruises and traveled extensively in the U.S. Marsha enjoyed the ballet, teaching and creating stained glass projects, movies, dancing, museums and art fairs and shopping for bargains (clothes, funky jewelry, gifts for grandkids or whatever happened to be nearby). Above all, she enjoyed spending time with her wonderful friends and family.

A memorial service celebrating Marsha’s life will be held on Saturday, July 14 at 1:30 p.m. at Colonial Church in Prairie Village, 71st and Mission Road. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City or Parkinson Foundation of the Heartland.