Obituary of Marsha D. Stevenson

Marsha D. (McConville) Stevenson, 67, of Old Saybrook passed away on Tuesday, June 21, 2011. Marsha was born on November 14, 1943; the daughter of the late John and Beatrice (Hamilton) McConville. Marsha grew up in Ellington and was married on December 5, 1964. She is survived by her husband of 46 years Jerry Stevenson. Marsha is also survived by her children and their families: daughter Carlene Lange and her husband Ken, son Christian Stevenson and his wife Kriste, and daughter Jenine Stevenson. Marsha was also the loving “Nana” to her grandchildren Keely Yarish, Ethan Yarish, Jack Lange, Kate Lange and Zoey Stevenson. Marsha is also survived by her siblings: Brian McConville, Cheryl (McConville) Brace, Maureen (McConville) Bjorkman, Garry McConville, and Jay McConville. She is also survived by her dear and longtime friends Mary Martin and Pamela Hamilton. Marsha was a graduate of Ellington High School, class of 1961. She pursued a career in nursing and graduated from the Hartford Hospital School of Nursing in 1964. Marsha worked as a nurse for over 30 years at Hartford Hospital, New Britain General Hospital and at Rockville Hospital, where she was the first Vernon W.I.C. Coordinator. Marsha was very passionate in her desire to help children and turned this passion into a second career as the owner of Apple Tree Learning Center. Marsha was also a lifelong advocate for early childhood education and served on several state and local committees dedicated to the health and welfare of children in Connecticut. Marsha’s involvement in the community extended in many directions and impacted many lives. Marsha was active in local politics and was elected to the Vernon Town Council. She was also active in youth activities and coached girls softball for many years, volunteered as “Nursie” at Hartford County 4H Camp, and was a former member of Vernon’s PTO. Marsha loved sports and was an ardent supporter of Rockville High School Hockey and UCONN Women’s Basketball. In her well deserved respite Marsha enjoyed ocean cruises, reading, celebrating holiday gatherings, attending her children and grandchildren’s sporting activities and relaxing at her summer cottage home at Chalker Beach in Old Saybrook. Marsha lived a life of service to her family and friends and was many things to many people. Marsha was a beloved wife, a dedicated mother, a loving nana, a good sister, a caring nurse, a patient coach and a fierce friend. Visitation will be Friday June 24th from 5-8 pm at Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home, 34 Main ST in Centerbrook. A Funeral Service will be celebrated Saturday at 10 am at The United Church of Chester, 29 West Main ST. in Chester. Please honor Marsha with contributions in her memory to American Lung Association, 1301 Pennsylvania Ave Suite 800, Washington, DC 20004