Name: Memorial service for Marsha Lee Christensen
Start: 2023-02-11T23:00:00.000Z
End: 2023-02-12T01:00:00.000Z
Location: Starks Funeral Parlor

Marsha Lee Christensen

1948-2022

On December 17, 2022 Marsha Lee Christensen passed away unexpectedly while in San Carlos, Mexico - her favorite place on the planet. She was born in Salt Lake City, Utah on September 21, 1948. She is survived by her husband Roger Christensen, her loving son Matt (Rachel) Christensen and her siblings Clark (Janet) Spilker, Janna (John) Hall, Chuck (Connie) Spilker, and Mike (Ann) Spilker. She is preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Joyce Spilker and her younger brother Kevin Spilker.

On the day she passed she witnessed a sea turtle hatch for the first time, which was a long-held dream of hers.

Marsha was a trained anthropologist and social worker, but her first love was nature. Marsha loved Utah deserts, The Sea of Cortez, the Oregon Coast, wild rivers, gardening, cacti, all wildlife and especially birds, dirt roads, and her friends. She was extraordinarily proud of her son Matt. She did not tolerate bigotry, homophobia or misogyny.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, February 11, 2023 at 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East. Guests are encouraged to use the parking and entrance on the north side of the building. February is the early stage of the spring bird migration and she will be ready to fly with them.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Hawkwatch International Salt Lake City, in Marsha's honor. www.hawkwatch.org

"When someone I know passes, I tell the birds that someone who loved and cared for them had to fly away. They will sing a special song tomorrow."

David Jasper, Ornithologist

Arrangements entrusted to Starks Funeral Parlor. Share your photos and memories and view tribute slideshow at www.starksfuneral.com

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

Published by The Salt Lake Tribune from Jan. 5 to Feb. 11, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Marsha Christensen

Sponsored by Starks Funeral Parlor.

8 Entries

Denny Charles

February 12, 2023

Roger & Matt,
We are so sorry for the loss of your beautiful Marsh. John and I didn´t know she had passed and John just read the news this morning.
What a wonderful, full of life woman she was. We had so much fun back when Matt & Jaz were in the OC. And we would see each other over the years at jewelry shows and different events. When we were hiking yesterday we thought the birds were more talkative than usual. Now we know why. Sending you both Peace & Love.
John, Denny & Jaz

Corinne Wilmarth

February 10, 2023

I was fortunate to go on my first white water Grand canyon trip with Marsha and Roger as the lead. She was an impeccable planner and food manager and we ate like king and queens. Het thoughtfulness was evident when she surprised Matt and I with a pinata to celebrate our birthdays on the river. Her gentle & wise Spirit will be sorely missed.

Philip Luke Baese

January 30, 2023

I am so sorry about your loss, Roger and Matt. You are all such important people to the mental health community and her kind, thoughtful, wisdom in this field and in general will be greatly missed. I hope that she was able to spend her last time really enjoying that area of the world. All of my best to your family in your time of loss and grief.

Thomas Conover

January 26, 2023

I stumbled upon Marsha's obituary today and caught my breath. I am so sorry to hear of her passing. I may not be as eloquent as some of the recent contributions but wanted to share.

I worked with Marsha when I was a younger psychiatrist just getting started at UNI, and her mentoring in practice was invaluable. But more than that, I remember that in addition to being a new doctor I was also a new dad and Marsha never failed to ask after my wife and son, and took to playfully calling me "big daddy". Her warmth and authenticity were remarkable!

Mitzi Dunford

January 18, 2023

" I am circling around God, around the ancient towers,
and I have been circling for a thousand years, and I still dont know if I am a falcon, or a storm, or a great song"
Rilke
As a fellow social worker you were all three to me
dear Marsha. An old soul, who will be dearly missed.
Mitzi Dunford

Bill McMahon

January 17, 2023

Marsha's Ways
She always rose before the sun
To silently scout each new day
For chirping birds and bright blooms,
For adventures and more fun,
Or her projects in every phase:
Garden beauty and festive rooms.
Marsha always got so much done!
Sent her love with her quiet gaze.
Now absence blasts a sonic boom,
Where once was order now is none!
Our tears shine with each new dawn's rays
Watering our hope mixed with gloom,
For when rebuilding has begun,
Still learning lessons from her ways.