Marguerite Marsh, PhD
April 19, 1927 - March 10, 2025
Marguerite Marsh dedicated her life to service and philanthropy. Born in Shanghai, China in 1927 and raised in Takoma Park, Maryland, Marguerite’s upbringing in a Seventh-day Adventist family instilled in her a strong sense of community and compassion. A deep passion for music and singing led her to study voice at La Sierra University, USC, and the Music Academy of the West in Santa Barbara.
Married to surgeon Robert L. Marsh, Marguerite embraced a multifaceted life of music, volunteerism, and exploration. Alongside raising two children, she extensively volunteered, traveled to over 90 countries, assisted with six medical missions in developing countries, and engaged in various cultural and civic organizations including the Los Angeles Master Chorale, the Los Angeles Music Center Blue Ribbon, the Adventist Health Glendale Foundation, and the Opera League of Los Angeles.
In her late thirties, Marsh embarked on a journey of discovery, pursuing interests such as flying, psychology, and dance. This led to earning a pilot’s license, a master’s degree in marriage and family counseling, and later a doctorate, establishing her own counseling practice.
In 1990, Marsh’s enduring commitment to helping others led her to co-found The Wellness Community-Foothills in Pasadena (now Cancer Support Community Greater San Gabriel Valley). In 2004 she established the Marsh Vocal Competition and Scholarship at her alma mater La Sierra University, which became a vital platform for vocal students. Known for her elegance, empathy, and charisma, she was deeply passionate about the arts and music, and was always interested in continuing to learn. She was always dressed to impress—an icon of fashion with outfits to match her extraordinary zest for life.
Marguerite was preceded in death by her husband Dr. Robert L. Marsh and daughter Victoria Marsh Tapper. She is survived by her son, Dr. Christopher L. Marsh, granddaughters Heather K. Thompson and Meghan Marsh King and their families. A celebration of life is being planned for spring of 2025. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations can be made to any of the foundations that she championed and supported over the years:
- Cancer Support Community
- Greater San Gabriel Valley
- Adventist Health Glendale Foundation
- Los Angeles Master Chorale
- The Opera League of Los Angeles
- La Sierra University Music Department (for the Marguerite Marsh Vocal Competition)
- Glendale Academy Music Department
- Glendale City Church Music Department