Marsha Richman

is honored with a Brick from Sharon K. Shively.

Born November 6, 1952 - Died March 20, 1989

It is with great pride and joy, admiration and love that we honor and pay tribute to this extraordinary woman, a heroine for all time. Our beloved Marsha Richman died of cancer on the first day of spring, 1989. A vibrant and beautiful young woman of thirty-six, with so many hopes and dreams, aspirations and promises for a brilliant future.

She fought the greatest fight of all and inspired us while doing so. Marsha endured great suffering, severe pain, major surgery, chemotherapy, the loss of a breast, numerous treatments in the United States and Canada. Her tremendous struggle with the onslaught of the destructive forces of this horrendous disease was astonishing! Her strength and dignity have inspired many. Through it all her heart was always open with caring and compassion for others.

Marsha was born in Wichita, KS at the McConnell Air Force Base Hospital. She grew up in California, the oldest of three girls. She sang and played the guitar so beautifully - her style and grace was deeply admired. Her generosity, kindness, thoughtfulness were unparalleled. Her creativity, fashion, artistic skill creating batik designs and personalized batik mandalas, interior decorating, cooking, she loved to grow herbs and plants in her San Francisco home. She loved music and laughter, and life so very much. She was a wonderful sister, aunt, daughter, niece, wife, friend and mentor. A bright and shining star, a child of the universe. Her courage and strength - beauty and wisdom - grace and joy - infinite love and dignity have left a legacy which continues in all those whose lives she touched so indelibly in her short stay here on earth. Marsha completed coursework towards her Master’s degree in Psychology at California Institute of Integral Studies 1986-87. In 1974 she graduated with honors from Sonoma State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Humanities. Marsha was awarded a scholarship to the University of the Pacific Intercultural Studies Program, Bangalore, India, 1971-72.

In October, 1987 Marsha was asked to write the script for a video documentary on the tribal medicine men of the Amazon. She was to go to South America as part of a crew with one of the boards of directors of a non-profit foundation for Shamanic studies. She was so excited and happy!! Marsha was at the time of her illness and death, the editor of "Notes From Wakan" (Oglala Sioux word meaning "Sacred"), 240 Miller Ave., Mill Valley, CA. Wakan is an educational organization dedicated to the premise that all life is scared. This organization included a wonderful group of loving friends who supported Marsha, loved her, and raised money for her medical bills. They held benefits to raise much needed funds to cover the increasing high cost of her treatments. They were with her in San Francisco at the very end of her journey on this planet - surrounding her in love, prayers, and song.

Dear Marsha...Your divine spirit still shines and you will live in our hearts forever. My memories of "LOVE" will be of you.
Aunt Sharon

Submitted by Sharon K. Shively

December 18, 1998