Marsha Perry Rosenthal

Marsha was born on October 20, 1951, in Liberty, North Carolina, to Edward and Rachel Perry. She attended the University of North Carolina, Greensboro for her undergraduate degree in Nutrition, followed by a Nutrition fellowship at Vanderbilt University in Tennessee. Later, she went on to obtain her Master's degree in Nutrition from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Until her retirement in 2021, she worked as a Renal Dietitian for 25 years at Fresenius Medical Care. She devoted her career to helping others live healthier lives as a dietitian.

Marsha met the love of her life, Gideon Rosenthal, on April 1, 1977. Gideon knew from the beginning that she was the one. They were married on July 19, 1980, and shared 46 wonderful years of marriage together. Throughout her illness, Gideon cared for her tirelessly and with great love and devotion. Gideon will miss Marsha more than words can express, but he will be surrounded and supported by the loving family they created together.

Marsha was happiest when she was moving, learning, caring for others, or surrounded by nature. She loved to dance, hike, practice yoga, tend to plants and flowers, and simply be outdoors. As a Master Gardener, she had a special appreciation for the beauty of the natural world and the joy that could be found in helping things grow.

Marsha loved and appreciated everyday on earth. After her diagnosis she remained steadfast to fight against all odds. She constantly found ways to adapt to an ever more restricted life as her disease progressed, but her mind remained sharp. Even to the very end, she thanked God everyday for another morning. After everything ALS took from her, her family finds comfort in imagining that the body that had become so limiting to Marsha is no longer limiting her at all.

Family was Marsha's greatest accomplishment. She was the most loving mother to her children and a cherished "Mimi" to her grandchildren. She is survived by her husband Gideon Rosenthal; children Martin Rosenthal (Bita Tabrizi) and Rachel Gell (Mike Gell); her three beloved grandchildren Caden, Niayesh and Ellie; and brother Tom Perry (Dannie).

A graveside service will be held on Monday, September 14, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Forest Lawn Cemetery, 3901 Forest Lawn Drive, Greensboro, North Carolina. Friends and family are invited to attend a celebration of her life. The family will receive visitors following the funeral at the home of Rachel and Mike Gell.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Joe Martin ALS Foundation (joemartinalsfoundation.org) or Team Gleason (teamgleason.org), two organizations that provide support and resources for people living with ALS and their families.

Though her absence leaves a space that cannot be filled, Marsha leaves behind far more memories. She leaves the imprint of a life well lived.