I met Marsha when I responded to an ad regarding a trip to Sicily she was arranging. It was my first trip “abroad” and I would be traveling alone. Marsha and I immediately “clicked” and she introduced me to traveling with a passion!  We became friends & saw one another frequently until the last few years when health issues precluded us from spending much time together. We spoke frequently & made another trip —to Machu Picchu.  Her bucket list became mine & I will be forever grateful. Rest In Peace marvelous Marsha.  I will miss you.  

Marsha was certainly a mover in the evolution of North Beach. I first met her in 1981 when we moved to 2416 Jones Street. I was part of the group that formed North Beach Neighbors.  Marsha was always connecting people and shaping events in the neighborhood. Later I worked with Marsha on the creation of a community garden on Greenwich Street in the  old parking lot of the then shuttered Sarah B. Cooper Elementary School (where Yick Wo now stands). That community garden would eventually lead to the creation of Michelangelo Playground.  There were many projects, businesses,  and events in North Beach that would never had  seen the light of day were it not for Marsha.

I left North Beach in the mid '90s but reconnected with Marsha when I had shop space in AAU's building (formerly a GAP) at Chestnut, Taylor, and Columbus.  She contacted me in late February trying to contact former North Beach Neighbor's.  We had a long telephone conversation and I sent her some pictures of NBN events  from the early days. 

She has now created a void that will be difficult to fill.  Adieu Marsh Rose...

My dearest Marsha,

We had many amazing times together in San Francisco and England. We were many miles apart, but always connected. I will forever treasure all our chats and times together. 

My favourite memories with you are when I visited you in 2008 & 2014. Everything we did and all the places you took me to were amazing. I loved every minute of my time with you. Time spent meeting your friends and being with Rosa and Duca was wonderful too. I loved the way little Rosa would snuggle up on my lap for cuddles . I also enjoyed when we went for walks in North Beach and would always bump in to people you knew from all walks of life for a chat.

You were an amazing, beautiful, strong, fascinating, inspirational and adventurous women. I will miss you always - life just won’t be the same without you. I love you Marsha.

Your loving cousin,

Sarah Edwards Babbage xxxx 

England, UK

Marsha I miss you.  You were my sister and I loved being with you.  I enjoyed traveling to breeder to get Rosa.   Duca and Rosa were your angels and kept you going.   
May you Rest In Peace.  You will be missed.  
Love

Marsha was such a vivacious, lovely, smart woman. A true force of nature. You will be dearly missed, Marsha. Thank you for your friendship.

OBITUARY

Marsha Rose Cowen-Garland

February 20, 1943 – March 17, 2021

San Francisco Columbarium & Funeral Home

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