Marsha L. Evans

Marsha L. Evans, a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully at her home on February 6, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Born on July 6, 1949, in Montague, Massachusetts, Marsha's life was a testament to her loving and selfless nature.

Marsha's early years, while full of adversity, miraculously laid the foundation for a life filled with love, compassion, generosity, and service to others.

She graduated from Middlebury High School in Vermont, class of 1967. After graduating from high school, Marsha went on to enter the field of Nursing- she graduated from Jean Mance School of Nursing class 1970.

She served our country in the U.S. Navy from June 1970 - May 1972.

Known as Marsha Mirabile, or Doc Marbles, Marsha served the young minds of Northbridge as the school nurse for over a decade. One of her proudest accomplishments, Marsha was awarded the Blackstone Valley Tribune's Woman of the Year in 1990 for her work with a local student whose tragedy turned to triumph, thanks to her above and beyond care, attention, and work with this child and their family.

Her nurturing spirit extended beyond the school walls as she later joined the Visiting Nurses Association in Milford, where she continued to provide comfort and care until her retirement in 1999. Prior to her work in education and home health care, Marsha worked at River Terrace Nursing Home in Lancaster, and then the emergency department of the former Whitinsville Hospital.

Marsha's life was enriched by her loving family. She shared 26 beautiful years of marriage with her devoted husband, Walter T. Evans of Whitinsville. Together, they created a home filled with laughter, love, and cherished memories. Marsha was a proud and doting mother to her five children: Ericka L. Tefft-Davis and her husband Craig of Whitinsville, Matthew G. Tefft of Worcester, Alyssa D. Oyola and her husband Daniel of Northbridge, Thomas Evans and his partner Julie of Franklin, and Ryan Evans and his wife Laura of Orlando, Florida. Her legacy continues through her adored 12 grandchildren-Noah, Samara, Savannah, Charlotte, Silas, Evelyn, Spencer, Zachary, Nathan, Meredith, Lilianna, and Violet-who brought immense joy and pride to her life; a Godson, Wesley Adam Ridlonand and nieces and nephews.

Marsha's heart was always with her family, but her passions extended to many other facets of her life. She was an accomplished rider, with a lifelong passion for horses that was evident to all who knew her. Her love for music was infectious, and she found great joy in singing and playing the guitar. Marsha also enjoyed gardening and loved her beloved pets. Her home was not just a place of residence, but a hub of family activity where every moment spent with her grandchildren was treasured.

She was predeceased by her first husband, Gregory F. Tefft, who died in 1978, her parents, Richard and Veronica (Hooper) Dodge, and her brother Richard M. Dodge, Jr.

Marsha L. Evans was a beacon of love and selflessness, touching the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her compassion knew no bounds, and her legacy of love will continue to inspire those she left behind.

As a family, we would like to thank the nurses, doctors, and staff from 5 West and 6ICU at Umass University campus. Marsha's daughter, Alyssa, would also like to extend immense gratitude to Dr. Shaun Toomey and his palliative care team, for their compassionate and gentle care for Marsha towards the end of her life and to the staff of MetroWest Beacon Hospice.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Burial will be private in Lancaster Cemetery, Lancaster.

Memorial donations in memory of Marsha may be made to Advocates, c/o Channing House, 1881 Worcester Rd. Framingham, MA 01701 or www.advocates.org.