Marsha Gail Golden

November 3, 1946 – June 27, 2024

Marsha Gail Golden, adored mother, wife, sister, and friend to many, passed away peacefully on June 27, 2024, at the age of 77. She leaves behind memories of love and laughter that touched the lives of all who knew her.

Marsha is remembered for her grace, warmth, joy, and deep spirituality. She showed kindness, empathy, and compassion to all, and she never met a stranger. Her quick wit and rich sense of humor made everyone want to be near her. Marsha loved to laugh and never stepped away from a good “Seinfeld” rerun. An adventurer, she tried new things even when they scared her. Her optimism was infectious. She bought lotto tickets weekly, because she just knew she would win one day. Nothing brought her as much happiness as having people over to her home for good food and a good time. Even though she didn’t drink, she understood that buying a margarita machine was an excellent idea. She occasionally got the lyrics to popular songs wrong but sang her own versions with complete conviction (“Give Me The Rent Collect.” If you know, you know). Marsha was BBQs in the summer, jack-o-lanterns in the fall, pistachios in Christmas stockings in the winter, Easter egg hunts in the spring, candles on the birthday cakes, and dance parties in the kitchen. She bought a new board game for her family every year, because “the family that plays together, stays together.” Her unbridled glee when hitting the Taboo buzzer will never be forgotten. She was big on affection and big on hugs and “I love yous.” If you were lucky enough to be in her orbit, she was your most trusted confidant and biggest cheerleader.

Born on November 3, 1946, to Katherine and Kenneth Mastain, Marsha grew up in Glendora, California, before moving north to attend California State University, Chico. Marsha married Dennis Golden, her high school sweetheart, in 1968, and they moved to Hanover, New Hampshire, soon after, where Marsha attended classes at Dartmouth before embarking on several moves and adventures with Dennis and their children, including to Illinois, Saudi Arabia, Germany, Florida, and Michigan. Marsha earned her bachelor's degree in social work and education at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, and began her career as a parent educator in Oakdale, Michigan, with Catholic Social Services. After too many cold winters, she moved back to her beloved home state to work as a parent educator for several agencies, including the Children’s Bureau of Southern California, the Orange County Family Resource Center – Raise Foundation, and Zeiders Enterprises, Inc. in San Diego, which provided in-home parenting education and support to military families. Marsha’s choice of profession reflected her deep commitment to helping others. She tirelessly advocated for those in need and deeply impacted the lives of the people she helped.

Marsha settled with Dennis in San Clemente, California, where they lived for over 20 years, enjoying time with family, the Pacific Ocean, and beautiful sunsets. She is survived by her husband Dennis, son Colin, daughter Nicole (Aaron Seeskin), son Chris Larsen (Kelly), siblings Malinda Glass, Kent Mastain (Molly), Debbie Adams (Dave), and Kendra Mastain, and a wide circle of relatives, friends, and colleagues. Her kindness, generosity, gentle spirit, and infectious laugh will be missed and remembered by all of us.

Instead of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the Christian Science Church in San Juan Capistrano, California (http://www.csinsanjuancapistrano.com/support-our-church.html), where Marsha attended services and volunteered in their Reading Room.

Marsha's family extend their heartfelt gratitude to all who have offered support and condolences during this difficult time. Her memory will be forever cherished, and her legacy of compassion and joy will live on in the hearts of those who loved her. The next time you hear Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’,” please raise a glass in her honor.