MARCIA J. WILSON

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MARCIA WILSON Obituary

MARCIA J. WILSON, SEPTEMBER 13, 1946 - MARCH 26, 2018 During her college years, Marcia heard Eldridge Cleaver say, "If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem." From then on, she always tried to be on the side of the solution. After receiving her B.A. from Lawrence University in Appleton, WI in 1969, she earned a J.D. from Boalt Hall at the University of California at Berkeley, finishing her last academic year at University of New Mexico Law School. During the first half of her legal career, Marcia worked primarily with and for Native Americans, beginning at the National Indian Youth Council and later becoming the Executive Director of Indian Pueblo Legal Services. Marcia spent the second half of her career as a staff attorney for the New Mexico Court of Appeals Prehearing Division. In retirement she worked with many others for the successful repeal of the death penalty in New Mexico in 2009 and most recently with the New Mexico Women's Justice Project on issues affecting incarcerated women. Marcia died comfortably after many years of struggle with COPD. To the end, she said, "Life is good." She was preceded in death by her adoptive parents, John L. and Natalie S. Wilson, and brother, John S. Wilson. She is survived by her brother, Douglas H. Wilson of Wilsonville, OR; her nephew, Spencer Wilson (Rachael, and their daughter Anisa) of Oakland, CA; her son, Burrell L. Nickeson (Young Ha) of Anchorage, AK; her daughter, Zita Nickeson (Darius Nichols) of Spokane, WA; her grandchildren: Jihyeon Ha Nickeson, Kiara Hildner, Rhylan Hildner, and AyveBelle Nichols and her great granddaughter, Kaleana Magee; her aunt, Virginia Pond of Chatham, MA; and her cousins: Kathy Wilson of Salem, OR, Bill Wilson (Anne) of Grand Rapids, MI, and Marilyn Pond Brigham (Paul) of Northborough, MA. Donations in Marcia's memory may be made to Solace Crisis Treatment Center, 6601 Valentine Way, Santa Fe, NM 87507 Rivera Family Funerals and Cremations 417 East Rodeo Rd. Santa Fe, NM 87505 Phone: (505) 989-7032 riverafamilyfuneralhome.comc

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Published by Santa Fe New Mexican from Mar. 27 to Mar. 28, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for MARCIA WILSON

8 Entries

Charlie Donaldson

July 21, 2025

I first met Marcia in 1969 when she was a secretary in the Harvard Law School student volunteer legal services office. We reconnected in 1974 when I went to work at DNA-Navajo Legal Services in Tuba City, Arizona and someone at DNA mentioned my hiring to her and brought back a message that she knew me. What had been a casual acquaintance in Cambridge became, for two years, something more substantial. But Tuba is a long way from Albuquerque and we both moved on. However, we remained friends and stayed in touch.. I love the Southwest but for various reasons moved back East in 1976 and am still there, comforted by frequent trips to New Mexico or Arizona. On most trips I connected with Marcia and went specifically to see her when I learned that her health was deteriorating rapidly. Marcia was a special person and some of her remains with anyone who knew her well. The world is a better place because she was here.

Sara Forfd

May 7, 2018

I didn't know Marcia for a long period of time. But we were involved in an important project together. She was a dedicated human being who cared. The world is a better place because of her. She will be missed.

Richard Levin

April 2, 2018

I am so sad to learn of Marcia's passing. She was a dear colleague and friend for many years; I had the opportunity to work with her on many projects involving legal aid and Native American rights. Indeed, I first met her at a conference she organized on strategies for dealing with the Indian Health Service, and getting more services for Native Americans. Marcia was a brilliant attorney with her heart always in the right place. She had a wonderful, ironic sense of humor and was a real joy to work with. My sincere condolences to her family and friends.

Burrell Nickeson

April 1, 2018

When she didn't have to be, Marcia was a loving mother with a gift of patience. She was strong, committed, and a thinker and a teacher in the same breathe. I will never EVER forget the time when others left, yet she remained a supporting role in life of my sister and I. I recall how she always expressed appreciation of what's to come whenever the mental aptitude of youth excelled. She believed strongly in people and education. I learned through her a respect for women and everything they offer and provide in this world. I could go on, but let me close by saying I am thankful for the memories, the love, the lessons, and the peace that Marcia inspired in me from a young age. I look forward to the day when my daughter becomes an adult and I see in her what Marcia provided me. Thank you Marcia and love you lots!

Becca Mudge

March 31, 2018

I was lucky enough to meet Marcia a few years ago. She let me help in her garden when she no longer could. She will always be an inspiration for me; an amazing woman in all her stages.

Zita Nickeson

March 28, 2018

Marcia was the best mother, always encouraging us and loving who we were, no matter the struggles we had, from teaching us to drive (that took an astronomical amount of patience) to building careers and families as adults. She will be missed so much, and always loved and in our hearts! New Mexico rain will forever remind me of her love.

Melissa Hill

March 28, 2018

Marcia was always a courageous opponent of capital punishment. She was perpetually willing and able to help in any way she could in pending death penalty cases. If it weren't for her research, I wonder if the death penalty would have been repealed here in New Mexico. Rest in peace, Marcia. You will not be forgotten. Thank you many times over.

March 28, 2018

Marcia and I were friends for many years, since we were young girls growing up in Hinsdale, Il. We both spent time with our families at Glen Lake, Michigan, where we shared a love for the beautiful sunsets, sailing on the lake, singing around the campfire, and laughing with friends. I remember her parents, brothers, and cousin with much love and appreciation. Marcia was smart and caring and funny, and I am so glad I knew her, and was able to visit her shortly before her passing. I will miss her.

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