Marsha Nicholas Birney

Marsha Nicholas Birney passed away on February 28, 2025, in Centennial, Colorado, following complications from an unexpected brain bleed. Born on September 1, 1955, at Maine General Hospital in Augusta, Maine, Marsha was the daughter of the late William Hank Nicholas and Emily Redington Heath Nicholas, and sister to the late Charlotte Nicholas. Marsha was a member of the Premiere Nation Wolastoqiyik Wahsipekuk Indian Tribe based in Cacouna, Quebec.

Marsha spent her early years in Augusta, where she attended Lincoln Elementary, Buker Middle, and Cony High School, graduating in 1973. She took great pride in serving as the head cheerleader during her high school years.

Marsha was fortunate to grow up on the shores of Messalonskee Lake, where she spent her childhood enjoying endless summer days with neighborhood friends. She cherished the time spent at her family's second camp, surrounded by extended family and friends, creating memories that would last a lifetime. Marsha was part of the DNA of the C. W. Mow Co. Band and she was honored when the song "Maine Lady" was written about her.

After receiving her Radiology Technician License from Maine General, Marsha, along with her dear friend Erin Moulton, helped establish Maine General’s first CT scan department. In 1979, she moved to Fort Collins, Colorado, and worked at Poudre Valley Hospital in the CT scan and special procedures unit. She later moved to Denver, where she became one of the first MRI technicians at the University of Colorado Hospital.

Marsha was an avid skier, hiker, and cyclist, and it was through these passions that she met her soulmate, Rick Birney, during the 1992 Elephant Rock Century bicycle ride. Together, they traveled the world, completing a bicycle tour in New Zealand that same year. They were married on July 3, 1993, and continued to share a life full of adventure—biking, skiing, hiking, and running. Their shared love of cycling took them on numerous tours, including Ride the Rockies, Pedal the Peaks, and Heartcycle tours in upstate New York, Vermont, and the San Juan Islands, all on their tandem bicycle. Together, they skied at many resorts, particularly Vail, and even enjoyed a snowcat tour near Crested Butte. Marsha and her sister Charlotte had set out to climb all 54 of Colorado's 14,000-foot peaks. When Marsha met Rick, only the most challenging summits remained—and together, they conquered them all. They also participated in many running events throughout Colorado.

In 1996, at the age of 41, Marsha welcomed her pride and joy, her son, Nicholas. She cherished every moment with him, supporting his many sports and adventures and volunteering at his schools. Marsha and Rick enjoyed traveling with Nicholas, visiting Mexico, and cruising the Eastern Mediterranean and Alaska. To satisfy their love of skiing, they purchased a townhome in Frisco, Colorado, in 1999, where they could ski at every opportunity. Nicholas joined the Vail Development Team for 10 years, and the family formed lifelong friendships with other skiing families. In Frisco, Marsha and Rick continued to pursue their passions for skiing, biking, hiking, kayaking, attending concerts, and soaking in the beauty of the mountains.

Marsha had a fondness for shopping, which she often enjoyed as a form of social time. She had countless stories of helping elderly shoppers and assisting children who were short on cash. She was a well-known figure at the King Soopers in Arapahoe Crossing, where she loved chatting with the employees and fostering a sense of community. In addition, she rarely missed her favorite spinning class at the Trails Recreation Center.

Marsha is survived by her loving husband, Rick; son, Nicholas; sister, Mary Nicholas; and niece, Olivia (Erick) Estela. She was proud to be Olivia's godmother and was thrilled to learn that Olivia was expecting her first child. She is also survived by her brother-in-law, Don (Sue) Birney; niece, Erin (Dylan) Jose; nephew, Jon (Molly) Birney; sister-in-law Barbara (Jack) Gordon; niece Maureen(Daniel) Guthrie and nephew, Patrick (Heidi) Gordon.

Memorial services in both Colorado and Maine will be scheduled in the near future. Marsha will be deeply missed by all who knew her. As she always ended her conversations, "Love you!"