Marcia Fayla Birney

Marcia Fayla Birney June 11, 1940 – August 1, 2025 Resident of Eugene, Oregon Marcia Fayla (McVey) Birney, 85, died peacefully on August 1, 2025, at McKenzie-Willamette Hospital in Springfield, Oregon. A retired elementary school teacher, Marcia was known for her love of laughter, family, friends and travel. Born in Lincoln, Nebraska, she moved with her family to Southern California at a young age. She graduated from Culver City High School in 1958. She met her future husband, Elmer, while he was serving in the U.S. Navy. They were married on August 5, 1961. Together, they moved to Hays, Kansas, to attend and graduate from Fort Hays State University, where Marcia earned a bachelor's degree in Education. She began her teaching career in Hays, followed by schools in Kearney, Nebraska, and Lawrence, Kansas. In 1970, the family moved to Minnesota, where Marcia taught primarily 3rd through 5th grades in Minneapolis Public Schools until her retirement in 2001. Marcia lived in Minnesota for 48 years, first in Spring Lake Park then in Blaine. She enjoyed talking and laughing with her many friends, welcoming them into her life as family. She was a prolific reader and crossword puzzler, was active in singing groups, and most of all, loved to travel. She proudly visited all 50 U.S. states and 39 countries across six continents. In 2018, Marcia relocated to Eugene, Oregon to be closer to her daughter (Amy), grandson (Aidan), brother (Tom) and sister-in-law (Pat). After relocating, she kept close contact with friends and family through a cherished schedule of regular phone calls. Marcia maintained her independence in her own home with her family's loving support until her passing. Marcia was preceded in death by her husband, Elmer C. Birney; and her parents, Harold and Grace (Scott) McVey. She is survived by her brother, Tom (Pat) McVey of Eugene, OR; children Amy Birney of Eugene, OR and Clayton (Paula) Birney of Maumee, OH; grandchildren Brittany (Mike) Kipplen, Phillip Williams, Daniel Williams, Aaron (Taylor) Birney, Danielle Birney (Denis Bajard), Jet Stachowski (Ky Boone), and Aidan Birney; and great-grandchildren Kenley Kipplen and Phillip Williams, Jr. A Celebration of Life will be held in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area on Saturday, September 13, 2025 from 3 - 7 pm at North Metro Event Center, 1000 Gramsie Road, Shoreview, MN 55126. Arrangements are being handled by Major Family Funeral Home, 112 A St, Springfield, OR. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Elmer C. & Marcia F. Birney EEB Graduate Fellowship (#5380) at the University of Minnesota. Established in 2000 in memory of Professor Elmer C. Birney, this fund supports graduate students in Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior. Marcia helped establish and grow the endowment, continuing to contribute generously throughout her life and through her estate. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Marcia, please visit our floral store.