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Marsha Wenig Obituary
Marsha Wenig, a beloved wife, mother and pioneer in the field of children's yoga, passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2023, at the age of 69.
Marsha was born in New York City, May 26, 1954, to Eric and Ruthie Loeb. She was raised in Ridgefield, New Jersey, surrounded by friends and family. Her older sister, Gladys, was a source of constant companionship and guidance. After graduating from Rutgers University, Marsha moved to Los Angeles, and leveraged a love for music into a successful career as tour manager for the renowned vocal group, the Manhattan Transfer. She was also an educator who taught creative writing classes to children in South Central Los Angeles.
It was during this time that she met her husband, Don Wenig, at a yoga class that he taught at White Lotus Yoga in Larchmont Village, California. From there, they embarked on a beautiful lifelong journey together, exchanging vows in September 1988.
Their daughter, Dakota, was born in 1989, and the family packed their Dodge Caravan and moved back to Don's hometown of Michigan City, Indiana. Soon after, in 1991, son Kiva joined the family.
Her background in education, creative writing and love of yoga drove Marsha to her ultimate passion: making yoga accessible to children. She was a true pioneer and trailblazer in the field. She founded YogaKids International, a groundbreaking organization that introduced yoga and empowered living to children in a fun and engaging way. For more than 30 years, Marsha passed on her innovative approach to yoga, mindfulness and healthy lifestyles to generations of children, educators and yoga instructors around the world.
As a co-founder of Dancing Feet Yoga, she worked tirelessly to create a nurturing environment where children and adults alike could explore movement, express themselves and develop a strong mind-body connection.
In 2011, at 57, Marsha was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's. Despite the difficulties she encountered, Marsha approached her journey with courage and grace. Her unwavering spirit and resilience inspired all who knew her.
Marsha Wenig's legacy will forever live on in the countless lives she's touched. Her dedication to children's wellness, her pioneering spirit and her unwavering love for her family will remain an inspiration to all. She will be deeply missed by her husband, Don; her cherished children, Dakota (Robert) and Kiva (Sara); her sister, Gladys; her grandson, Arlo; as well as by her extended family, friends and the global community of children's yoga practitioners around the world.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to be made in Marsha's memory to Lorenzo's House, which supports families persevering through younger-onset Alzheimer's.
May Marsha June's spirit continue to expand infinitely to embrace us all forever. May all be peaceful and at ease. May all find wisdom and be free from suffering. May all be happy.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Marsha Wenig
Susanne Margaard Lund
April 17, 2025
A great thanks for your yoga- kids-spiring, from the yoga kids education as teacher in Denmark
Sol
December 31, 2024
I remember my family having DVDs of YogaKids, which were a series of Yoga classes specially created by Marsha for kids to learn yoga in a creative way.
I remember enjoying the DVDs a lot when I was a kid, and today I decided to dig out one of the DVDs and try it out again. Even though the YogaKids classes were obviously not intented for an 18 year old, I still found myself enjoying taking part in the yoga regardless.
Only today am I learning about Marsha´s unfortunate passing, which has saddened me.
Marsha was a part of my childhood memories, and I am so grateful for her positive and caring personality.
Rest in Peace.
Sherry Day
September 17, 2024
I am sorry to hear of Marsha´s passing. Marsha influenced my parenting when I discovered her back in the early 2000´s and purchased her yoga videos for my children. My kids love of yoga grew from there. It´s hard to forget someone like Marsha who was such a positive fun spirit of which we embraced her teachings. Thank you Marsha for being such an inspiration, you will always be remembered.
Original (first) YK training. <br />What a blast! Marsha love!
Deb Donofrio
August 28, 2023
Met Marsha at Yoga Conference in Colorado. Went there specifically to gain insight from her. Sold me on first training and I never looked back. Changed all our lives for the better. Thank you Marsha and Don for putting ❤ and soul into helping us become best YKTs and eventually YKTTs, sharing all the fabulous techniques. Rest In Peace sweet Marsha.
Cyndy (Fluffy) Kalil
August 20, 2023
Condolences to the entire Wenig family.
Met Marsha and Don when they operated Dancing Feet Yoga out of Long Beach School. Happily delivered their mail there for years. Marsha always had a smile and kind words for me everyday. An amazing spirit that put her stamp on many lives and will truly be missed.
Abbie Steinbacher
August 16, 2023
Marsha is such a legend and will be truly missed. I never met her, but she played such an important role in bringing kids yoga to the masses. Sending love to her family and loved ones.
Michelle Walker
August 16, 2023
Marsha was a woman who taught me it was ok to be me. I loved her so and learned so much from her. Her legacy will absolutely live on. Namaste.
sonu kaushik
August 14, 2023
Deep condolences to the family. She was a true visionary when it came to teaching yoga to children. I met her briefly in 2015 when I came to Naperville to finish my yogakids teaching certification.
What a lovely person with a beautiful smile. Her legacy will live on.
Wendell Wiltfong
August 14, 2023
lovely family plowed snow for them for years,would think about them every time I drove pass the turn off to their home sorry for the loss at this young age
Trevor johnston
August 14, 2023
Don and family: Sorry for your loss. TREV
Marcy Caron
August 14, 2023
Kiva your mom sounds lovely. I love that your parents met in a yoga class. I can tell
What a loving and supportive mother she was and those qualities will live on In you. I'm so sorry for your loss.
Love Marcy and Peter Caron
Dee Krzysiek
August 14, 2023
To Don, Dakota and Kiva, your. wife/mother was a beautiful woman, one who touched many lives with compassion and sunshine. So sorry for your loss. Sincerely, Mrs Dee from Michigan City Montessori School
Diane Norris
August 13, 2023
Marsha inspired me, a children´s librarian, to share yoga with young patrons in a western Chicago suburb. Her loving influence stretched far and wide. Very saddened by her loss.
Linda Adleson
August 13, 2023
I am saddened to hear of her passing. As a teacher of her Yogakids program I was continually impressed by the wisdom and brilliance of it. She blessed the world and all she touched with her heart, intelligence and kindness.
Dan Hoffman
August 13, 2023
Don, my condolences to you and your family. Sorry for the loss of Marsha, and thank you for requesting donations be sent to Lorenzo's House in her memory. Lorenzo's House provides support for those families dealing with early onset Alzheimer's and is where you and I met and formed a deep friendship. I have gratitude for that connection with you.
Lina López
August 13, 2023
Thank you Marsha for your talent, creativity, love and respect for the kids and yoga.
Our practices and our young students are more happy, prepared and engaged thanks to you. And through your books I found inspiration and valuable resources to feel more confident in my classes.
You left a mark with your life, your family have in you a lovely example of perseverance in/with love and passion for your work.
Marcela Arellano Palacios
August 13, 2023
From Chile my deepest gratitude for her inspiration as a yoga teacher
Marcela Arellano
Pat O'Shea Burns
August 12, 2023
Thank you Marsha June Wenig for sharing your joy filled spirit, your wisdom,
your love. May deep gratitude for the gift of your life bless and comfort your family till you are once again together for all eternity
The Mattson-Prieto familly
August 11, 2023
Dear Don, Dakota and Kiva:
We are very sorry to learn about the passing of your beloved mother Marsha. We wanted to offer our sympathy in this time of sorrow. We know that you must be deeply saddened, but trust that you will find solace in the many nice memories and times she shared with all of you.
Our deepest sympathy to you all. Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you.
Much love from Dale, Char, Raquel, and Eric
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