A woman of sharp intellect and adventurous spirit, Marsha passed away on March 4th, 2026, after a long battle with Parkinsons, she was 90 years old. Born in Malone, New York on July 18th, 1935 she grew up in Chateaugay, New York and later in Burlington, Vermont. Marsha was one of three children born to Dorris Harris and Morris Pearl, and, as she often said, ‘Had a wonderful childhood constantly surrounded by friends and family.’ She was particularly close to her brothers, Marty and David, with whom she climbed up the mountains of Vermont with skis on her back, prior to the advent of chair lifts. Marsha graduated from the University of Vermont with a Bachelor of Arts and received a Masters degree from New York University.
Her mother told her to “Go to New York and get a job with intelligent people.” After receiving her Masters in Book Publishing, she took a job in publishing doing editorial work at RR Bowker, where she belonged to a number of cultural organizations and two synagogues. She was active in both the Jewish community and her beloved writing group, and tended her garden with love. She was also an active athlete; a fierce tennis player, expert skier, and took annual ski trips to Vail, Vermont and the Swiss Alps with family Her mother told her to “Go to New York and get a job with intelligent people.” After receiving her Masters in Book Publishing, she took a job in publishing doing editorial work at RR Bowker, where she belonged to a number of cultural organizations and two synagogues. She was active in both the Jewish community and her beloved writing group, and tended her garden with love. She was also an active athlete; a fierce tennis player, expert skier, and took annual ski trips to Vail, Vermont and the Swiss Alps with family and friends, skiing expert trails until the age of 79.
Marsha sought out “intelligent people” and meaningful connections, and lit up the room with her elegance and charm. Her legacy lives on in her family and friends and the many people she touched, and through the loving and personal stories she shared.
She gave up everything for her family, who meant the world to her.
She is survived by her husband Ben, daughters Lydia and Ariel, son Elan, and three grandchildren, John, Maya and Jesse.