Marcia Lou Andrews

Marcia Andrews Obituary

Marcia Lou (Belden) Andrews

Marcia Lou (Belden) Andrews, age 76, passed away February 1, 2020 under the care of Hospice of the Valley, and heaven has been made a little sweeter. Born in Wichita KS to Lewis and Rozina Belden, Marcia grew up in Bremerton, Washington where she graduated from West High School. She received her AA degree at Olympic College and her BA degree in Fine Arts at The Evergreen State College in Olympia, WA. Marcia enjoyed her 20 years as an officer's wife and was able to live in several parts of our great nation, collecting dear friends everywhere she went. Beginning in 1990, Marcia followed the family tradition of vacationing by motorhome, enjoying birdwatching and nature, and making buddies (both human and canine) everywhere she went. In addition to traveling by RV, Marcia also enjoyed an Alaskan cruise as well as several in Europe. Those around her always marveled at her creativity, decorating prowess and endless sense of humor. A superbly talented pianist, Marcia had over 50 years of experience as a performing musician, piano teacher, accompanist and coach for choral and instrumental soloists and groups. She was an adjudicator in the field of piano and choral music and was a member of the Arizona State Music Teacher's Association with national and state certification. Marcia was the pianist at several Phoenix area churches, most recently at Bellevue Heights Church in Sun City until 2017.

Her family members and friends will cherish the memories they have of her. In addition to her husband James (Andy) Andrews, Marcia is also survived by her sister and brother-in-law Janet and Gordon Reiter in Yacolt, Washington, her daughter and son-in-law Jody and Ron Inchausti, son and daughter-in-law Jason and Sue Graham, step-daughters Krista Yamashita and Shari Anglin, and grandchildren Micky Andrews, Arianna Brockmeier, Bryan Graham, Zane Anglin, Kyle Graham and Bella Inchausti. She is also greatly missed by her beautiful standard poodles Rhapsody (Rhapsy) and Polonaise (Polly).

There will be a celebration of life on Saturday, February 29th at Bellevue Heights Church, 9440 West Hutton Drive, Sun City, 85351. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations should be made to Dove of the Desert, Best Friends Animal Society at 5001 Angel Canyon Rd., PO Box 567, Kanab UT 84741-0567 or the animal welfare organization of your choice.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Arizona Republic from Feb. 6 to Feb. 9, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Marcia Andrews

10 Entries

Wendy Boorn

January 31, 2021

As you, Marcia's family, mark one year since the passing of your dear one, I want you to know that I celebrate her life with you and am thinking of you all. Marcia taught me piano for four years as an adult, and I will always be grateful for her patient encouragement and expertise. I started taking piano lessons again shortly after she passed and have often felt that she was watching over me. Now I am 75, and being able to play, and even practice, piano during this very challenging year has been the highlight of my life and saved my sanity! Please take comfort in knowing what a beacon of light Marcia was to so many! I wish you all peace.

Daniel Allen

July 8, 2020

I'm late to the game, and hadn't seen Marcia for many years, but am incredibly sad to hear of her passing. I met Marcia when I was in high school and needed a strong accompanist for solo/ensemble festival (since saxophone music is notoriously difficult on pianists). Phoenix is a big city with many talented musicians and even many pianists familiar with saxophone repertoire, but none brought the same emotional commitment and passion as Marcia.

When I went on to NAU to study music, I continued to collaborate with Marcia on my Freshman and Sophomore recitals. Just like high school, I was blessed with a musical partner who poured her heart and soul into the pieces in a way none of my classmates were.

Playing music with someone is a uniquely intimate experience, so when the music became more than she could physically handle, her and Andy still made the trip to Flagstaff to see me play.

So while it's been many years since I'd seen her, and I've given many performances in that time, I will never forget my first true musical collaborator and I will cherish the time we had forever.

Wendy Boorn

February 24, 2020

Marcia was a light that illuminated my darkness through her kindness and patience, when, as a 55 year old woman, I went to her for piano lessons (for the first time in 40 years) after the death of my second parent, my beloved dad.

I took lessons for four years and made a tremendous amount of progress, which was great fun. But, even more fun was getting to visit with Marcia, who always had an encouraging word and a lovely smile for me. I loved being able to count on that in this crazy world!

So I express deep condolences to her dear family, whom she clearly loved so much, since she told me loving stories about all of you. Thank you for sharing her with me and so many others. We will all miss her, but she'll have everyone up and dancing in heaven by now!

Maureen O'Halloran

February 13, 2020

I just learned of Marcia's passing this morning.
I am so sadden by the news. My husband and I moved into the neighborhood 4 years ago. Left on my husband's windshield of his Jeep a beautiful
card from Marcia. "Welcome to the Neighborhood"
I will never forget that act of kindness. Shortly after moving in we adopted a Lab puppy Piper with all the energy that a lab puppy can have. She and Andy tried to help with her need of socialization with their
beautiful poodles and loving attention. Marcia is gone way too soon and she will be greatly missed.

Fun in Leavenworth

Kathy Crumrine

February 10, 2020

Oh, dear Marcia, so many memories flood my mind! We have a history and it will not be erased. Even though we were far apart for most of our journey, we managed to stay attached and in touch and I love that!
Andy, Jody, Ron and Bella, Jason, Sue, Bryan and Kyle, may God keep you and comfort you through this process of learning to live without Marcia. She was definitely one of a kind and I loved her.

Kathy (Graham) Crumrine

Katie Ponton

February 10, 2020

What a lovely obituary, my sincere condolences about the loss of Mrs. Andrews. She was such a beautiful person, who was such an accomplished pianist. I took piano lessons from Mrs. Andrews for about three years while I was in high school. She accompanied me for several saxophone solos I performed as well. At the time she had schnauzers, which I loved and could tell she loved as well.

February 9, 2020

My condolences are extended as you mourn the loss of your dear loved one. May you find comfort and strength to cope during this trying time. (Psalm 90:10)