In her eighty seven years, Marsha was the epitome of “Aloha”; that beautiful Hawaiian greeting that integrates fully the mind and the heart to offer the best of good feelings to another. Marsha embraced many in her loving arms and now she finds peace in the arms of her creator, Jesus Christ.
Marsha’s long and full life will be celebrated on Saturday, May 23 at 4:00 pm at the Mariposa Gardens Cemetery Chapel, 400 S. Broadway Road, Mesa, AZ.
Those beloved and privileged survivors who will continue to carry on Marsha’s exuberant spirit are her daughters and their husband’s; Branda and Lou, Marsha and Skeet, Marlene and Doug, Carrie and Kelly. Marsha’s memory will also be cherished by her grandchildren; Tamra & Craig, Robbie & Melanie, Sam& Carson, Shana & Travis, Magan & Frank, Doug & Stacey, Kaeli & Jay and Jacob & Josh, and great grandchildren, Kyle, Kamri, Seren, Ethan Jr., Kanoa, Kessler, Lucas, Easton, Sienna and Ledger. Marsha’s remaining siblings, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends also remember her dear heart.
Marsha was one of eleven children born to Cecelio and Virginia Rivera who made their home on Kauai. She met and married her life partner Bobby, celebrating sixty five years together until his passing in 2016. Their life together started on the Island of Oahu and then moved to Hayward, California, spending some fifty one years. She and Bobby traveled back to Hawaii many times for visits with relatives and enjoyed a 50th Wedding Anniversary cruise to Puerto Rico accompanied by fifty friends and family members to help celebrate. Both her and Bobby’s ultimate priority was their own family and their final move was to Gilbert, Arizona to be closer to their ever growing family.
Bobby and Marsha were proud of their beautiful four daughters and the activity of their household. In her early years, Marsha was quite athletic and she continued to display her skills in volleyball and on various bowling leagues. Marsha and her daughters also joined together on a softball team named the Hawaiians which dad coached. She was an excellent softball pitcher!
Marsha was an excellent cook, making family favorite Puerto Rican and Hawaiian dishes and made sure she shared those treasured recipes with her daughters. She had originally started her work career as a food preparer and cook for the Masonic Temple in Hayward, CA. She then spent several years with St. Rose Hospital, where Marsha’s flair for cooking enhanced their menu. Marsha also took great pride in her creative displays that were the center piece of many special events and parties she catered.
Marsha also was a blessed with a green thumb. Her garden was filled with plants and lovely flowers especially Orchids which she excelled at growing many stunning varieties.
She was a baseball fanatic, watching any and all teams, but she was a loyalist to her California teams, the Oakland A’s and the San Francisco Giants. Marsha also never missed an opportunity to play cards (penny poker) or a trip to the casino, nor would she turn down a good margarita.
So many wonderful memories, however the most reminisced by the family is hearing Marsha’s beautiful voice as she would perform duets with Bobby. This always brought tears to the eyes of their children and will continue to as they lovingly remember the happiness of their family.
As we set forth to celebrate a daughter, sister, mother, wife, grandmother, aunt and beloved friend, please keep Marsha and her family in your prayers.
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