Marsha Athanasia Reich (Sissy), 78, passed away on December 22 at her home of over 40 years in Ridgefield, CT. She was a bright light who lived life on her own terms.
Sissy was born on November 6, 1947, in Norwalk, CT, to the late Demetria and George Mehos. She grew up in Weston, CT, attended Staples High School and moved to downtown Brooklyn, New York in 1965 to attend nursing school at Long Island University.
While in college, Sissy met Stanley Reich at a party in Brooklyn and they married shortly thereafter. Together they raised two daughters, Jessie and Zoe. Sissy was a dedicated nurse, whether in the hospital, at Greenwich House, in management roles, as a school nurse, or fielding excessive questions from her daughters about their children's health. She found fulfillment in helping others, and she would drop everything at a moment's notice to be there for those she cared about most.
Sissy's beauty, radiant smile and infectious laugh always lit up the room. She was a true and loyal friend, with many friendships that spanned decades. Fiercely principled and unapologetically bold, Sissy was an unwavering feminist who held progressive ideals throughout her life. She believed deeply in equality, reproductive rights and healthcare for all—and she never hesitated to stand up for what she knew was right.
Sissy loved the color pink and was especially fond of pink roses. She was happiest on the beach and in the sun, whether on Peaks Island or in the warmth of the Bahamas. And, of course, when spending time with her children and grandchildren.
Above all, Sissy saw everyone around her as fundamentally human, an increasingly rare gift in this world. She had a natural way of taking people under her wing, a true mother hen who offered love, guidance and protection without hesitation. She was devoted to her husband, Stanley, for more than fifty years—a partnership rooted in love, respect and enduring commitment. She showed unconditional love and was a voice of moral clarity for her daughters, who strive to live by her example.
Sissy is survived by her husband Stanley, her daughters Jessie Reich (Chris Cera) and Zoe Reich (Paul Margarites), her four grandchildren: William & Demi Cera and Celeste & Charlie Margarites, her sister Nancy Mehos and her brother Harry Mehos.
A celebration of life will be held in July 2026 on Peaks Island, Maine. Wearing pink is encouraged.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to:
Planned Parenthood of Northern New England: https://www.plannedparenthood.org/planned-parenthood-northern-new-england
or
Abramson Family Center for Nursing Excellence at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania: https://giving.aws.cloud.upenn.edu/fund?program=MC&fund=604506
or
Canine Partners for Life: https://k94life.org/
Sissy was born on November 6, 1947, in Norwalk, CT, to the late Demetria and George Mehos. She grew up in Weston, CT, attended Staples High School and moved to downtown Brooklyn, New York in 1965 to attend nursing school at Long Island University.
While in college, Sissy met Stanley Reich at a party in Brooklyn and they married shortly thereafter. Together they raised two daughters, Jessie and Zoe. Sissy was a dedicated nurse, whether in the hospital, at Greenwich House, in management roles, as a school nurse, or fielding excessive questions from her daughters about their children's health. She found fulfillment in helping others, and she would drop everything at a moment's notice to be there for those she cared about most.
Sissy's beauty, radiant smile and infectious laugh always lit up the room. She was a true and loyal friend, with many friendships that spanned decades. Fiercely principled and unapologetically bold, Sissy was an unwavering feminist who held progressive ideals throughout her life. She believed deeply in equality, reproductive rights and healthcare for all—and she never hesitated to stand up for what she knew was right.
Sissy loved the color pink and was especially fond of pink roses. She was happiest on the beach and in the sun, whether on Peaks Island or in the warmth of the Bahamas. And, of course, when spending time with her children and grandchildren.
Above all, Sissy saw everyone around her as fundamentally human, an increasingly rare gift in this world. She had a natural way of taking people under her wing, a true mother hen who offered love, guidance and protection without hesitation. She was devoted to her husband, Stanley, for more than fifty years—a partnership rooted in love, respect and enduring commitment. She showed unconditional love and was a voice of moral clarity for her daughters, who strive to live by her example.
Sissy is survived by her husband Stanley, her daughters Jessie Reich (Chris Cera) and Zoe Reich (Paul Margarites), her four grandchildren: William & Demi Cera and Celeste & Charlie Margarites, her sister Nancy Mehos and her brother Harry Mehos.
A celebration of life will be held in July 2026 on Peaks Island, Maine. Wearing pink is encouraged.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to:
Planned Parenthood of Northern New England: https://www.plannedparenthood.org/planned-parenthood-northern-new-england
or
Abramson Family Center for Nursing Excellence at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania: https://giving.aws.cloud.upenn.edu/fund?program=MC&fund=604506
or
Canine Partners for Life: https://k94life.org/
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