She was the beloved daughter of the late Major Robert E. Marsh and Margaret (Fagan) Marsh. Predeceased by her sisters, Mary Margaret Bessette and Dorothy Elaine Sherman- Martin. Also, survived by three generations of nieces and nephews.
Barbara Marsh was a 1941 graduate of Eastern High School, has a Bachelor’s Degree from Central Michigan University, and Master’s and Specialist Degrees from Michigan State University. She taught elementary pupils in Battle Creek School District for two years before Lansing School District hired her in 1947. She was assigned to Holmes Street School where Barbara taught kindergartners.
She was principal of three Lansing elementary schools before rising to a broader supervisory level in 1970. The three schools were: Cedar Street School, Northwestern Elementary School, and Grand River School.
As co-director of elementary education, Barbara supervised 20 principals and oversaw half the district’s elementary schools. She also had charge of kindergarten screening and elementary gifted and talented programs. She founded the gifted and talented programs for elementary pupils of Lansing several years prior. At one time, she supervised alternative education and re-entry programs.
Barbara was a lifelong member of the Church of the Resurrection in Lansing, MI. She volunteered at Sparrow’s Hospital’s Gift Shop, The Lansing Public “Book Borough”, and at Resurrection Church. She was a member of ALPHA DELTA KAPPA.
Barbara will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to know and love her.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to one of the following:
Resurrection Elementary School
1514 E. Michigan Ave.
Lansing, MI 48912
Michigan Premier Hospice
312 E. Houghton Ave.
West Branch, MI 48661
The charity of your choice.
A celebration of Barbara’s life will take place at a later date.
The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff at StoryPoint of Grand Ledge, and the Michigan Premier Hospice for their caring thoughtfulness and dedication. Barbara was always in good, gentle, kind hands. Thank you for your commitment and dedication.
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