Marsha Palmer Reynolds of Biddeford passed away peacefully Saturday, September 30 2023. The daughter of William and Anita Palmer, Marsha was born in New Haven, CT on June 16, 1941. She was educated in New Haven schools and graduated from Colby College in 1963, where she developed a love for the state of Maine. After graduation, Marsha moved to NYC as a medical research assistant but discovered a love for teaching and became head of the Science Dept. at Franklin School. In 1980, she joined the faculty at The Chapin School, as a middle school science teacher, where she retired in 2009. While teaching she involved with Basketball, Volleyball, Softball and tennis teams as well as Photography, Science clubs and headed many school trips, from DC to Hyderabad, India.
While working at Franklin School, Marsha met her future husband, John Reynolds. The two were married in 1980. Upon retirement, they moved to Marsha’s first love, Maine. They also found the time to travel to 5 Continents.
Marsha was active in the local community; bringing her therapy dogs to nursing homes, briefly serving on the Conservation commission, and volunteering at the Saco food pantry and the Animal Welfare Society. She was also involved in UNE’s GEMs program and a member of the Village Ringers handbell choir. She most recently served on the Mayor’s council for Age Friendly Biddeford.
She is survived by her husband John Reynolds, her sister Deanna Kaplan, nieces Idanna (Jim) Appio and Ilania (Christopher) Stangler, and her great nieces and nephew Zoe and Lili Appio and Inez and Irving Stangler as well as her dogs, Molly and Willie. The Family wishes to thank St. Andre Health Care and Southern Maine Health Care Emergency department and Special Care Unit for care and kindness.
Burial service will be private and a celebration of life will be in the Spring at a date to be determined.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Saco Food Pantry,. P.O. Box 246, Saco, ME 04072.