Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1950
DIED
2022
Marsha Maffia Obituary
May 7, 1950 ~ March 10, 2022
Resident of Scotts Valley
Marsha Lynne (Prose) Maffia was born on May 7th 1950 in Ransom, Kansas and lost her long battle with cancer on March 10th, 2022 at home surrounded by family in Scotts Valley, CA.
Marsha was the first born to the late Ralph and Phyllis Prose. Her family moved from Kansas to Eureka, CA when she was 4 years old where she grew up sewing her own clothes, loving to swim, and enjoying the yearly travel with her family. Her father was the first to go to high school and she was the first to go to college in the family. After putting herself through dental hygiene school she worked her entire career as a dental hygienist, mostly in Scotts Valley and Felton. In 1975 she married Chuck Maffia from Eureka CA and they moved for a brief time to Fresno, CA before settling in Santa Cruz County, where she lived the remainder of her life. They had two children, Brooke and Justin, before divorcing in 1985.
Marsha was very committed to her faith and political beliefs. In church she was active in bible studies, divorce recovery ministries, and because of her generous heart would help with most anything she was invited to, with a smile. She was hard working, always up for a party and spending time with friends. She loved cooking, baking and sharing it with others. Community was a source of strength and joy in her life. She had a love for travel, the theater, bargain shopping, dental floss, collecting shells on the beach and enjoying whatever each day brought. Later in her life she served on the republican central committee.
Quite possibly her most favorite time in life was being a grandma. She lived to spend time with her 5 grandkids. Always having a craft, project, new books, taking them swimming, out to the movies or to do special experiences whenever she could grab time with them. She faithfully gave her time and energy to see them grow.
Marsha is survived by her younger brother Ron Prose and his wife Kim, her two children Brooke Wang and Justin Maffia, and her 5 grandchildren Sophina Wang, Abigail Wang, Micha Maffia, Luca Maffia and Ella Maffia.
A memorial for her will be held on May 7th at 10am at Santa Cruz Bible Church at 440 Frederick St, Santa Cruz, CA 95062. In lieu of flowers the family suggests a donation in her name to World Vision, one of the charities she regularly supported or Heartland Hospice of Capitola who were fabulous in her end of life care.
If you'd like to send your condolences to Masha's family, please visit www.scmemorial.com
View the online memorial for Marsha Maffia
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Marsha Maffia
Sponsored by santacruzsentinel.com.
Linda
December 24, 2024
Years ago I found an envelope with a note and a $10.00 bill at my door. The note says:
"To whom it may concern: My grandson & I were walking and he ran up your driveway and pulled a solar light out. I went to put it away and I cracked the glob. Here is $10 for the repair. If that does not cover the cost let me know. My phone number is 438-6219. My name is Marsha."
I thought what a nice lady. I can´t accept the money, and plan to return it. Yet, the envelope got misplaced for years. Last night as I was looking for Christmas gift tag, I found it! I tried calling this morning wanted to return the money and get to know this nice neighbor. Unfortunately the number was disconnected. So I googled to see if anyone named Marsha lives in Santa Cruz. I found it, and so sad to learn that such a nice lady had already gone to heaven in 2022. My condolences to Marsha´s family. Wish you all well.
Edna Sandberg
May 5, 2022
Marsha, Marsha, Marsha. How very much you will be missedI know you are now in Joy and that brings a smile. There is nothing to compare to heaven but I know you wished you could have stayed here to keep on being Grandma. I will see you again so save me a place close by. Prayers for strength, peace and comfort are offered up for all your family and friends as they both morn your leaving and celebrate your life here.
LEE CHAPPELLE
May 4, 2022
Sorry to read this for Marsha, a classmate at EHS, class of 1968. Although we were not close friends I always found her to be a warm and friendly person. Another classmate gone too soon.
Diana (Mitchell) Thompson
May 2, 2022
Marsha and I went through Cutten Elementary school together. Oh, the adventures we had. Slumber party´s, riding our bikes to the Sequoia Park/duck pond and the fun school field trips on the bus. I am so sorry for your loss. Hold on to your memories with love.
Connie Singer
May 2, 2022
Sending condolences to Marsha Mafia's family.
I met Marsha when our children were in elementary school, at Holy Cross, in the early 1980's. She was so likeable. Always fun to be around at an event within school activities, or if we were able to get to volunteer in the classroom together.
Truly sorry to read that Marsha lost her battle to cancer.
But, I am so glad to read that Marsha's grown children, and now her grandchildren have those fun loving memories of her as I remembered her from the past.
God Bless!
Peggy Sparks
April 30, 2022
Final conversation we had together on March 2, 2022 sent this to her and she replied, "AMEN"
2 Corinthians 3:11 Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.
She was an awesome inspiration in all that she did, with a special gift that God gave her as an encourager.
Her final days she had such a positive outlook but she knew her final destiny would be to spend eternity with Jesus Christ
Dave Hodgin
April 21, 2022
The Santa Cruz County Republican Central Committee has made a donation to Hospice of Santa Cruz County in honor of our good friend and loyal supporter, Marsha Maffia. We greatly miss her.
Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results
Make a Donation
in Marsha Maffia's name
Memorial Events
for Marsha Maffia
How to support Marsha's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Marsha Maffia's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
