Marsha Zeisel of Levant, Maine, died Jan. 20, 2022, at the age of 68 after a short illness. Originally from New Jersey, she retired to Maine in 2019 where she spent three very happy years.
Marsha grew up in Little Silver and graduated from The Ranney School and Boston University. She had a varied career in sales and marketing. By far the most satisfying part of her career was when she operated an independent bookstore in Lincroft with her father.
A person who empathized with others, Marsha opposed injustice in all its forms. Her compassion extended to animals: Not only did she adore her dog, Jake, but she loved baby animals of all types, especially baby goats. She was a frequent visitor to local farms and a strong supporter of buying locally made products.
Marsha was famous with her family and friends for the rugelach (an apricot-raisin pastry) she baked and bestowed upon them for the holidays. She was also admired for her skilled needlework, which she often gifted to friends. She loved folk music; she played the guitar and hammer dulcimer and was learning the Celtic harp at the time of her death.
Marsha loved travel and enjoyed taking special trips and going to music events, especially with her nieces. She had a wry sense of humor, which helped her keep the difficult parts of life in perspective.
Marsha is survived by her daughter Emma Louise Zeisel; her grandsons, Jayden and Josiah; her sister and brother-in-law, Laura Zeisel and David Strong; her nieces, Sara Strong Farrell and Elizabeth Pearl Hamilton; and her beloved dog Jake. She was predeceased by her parents, Shirley and Melvin Zeisel.
A family gathering to celebrate Marsha’s life will be held at a later time. Contributions in her name may be made to the Bangor Humane Society, 693 Mt. Hope Ave., Bangor, ME 04401 bangorhumane.org, or to the charity of your choice.
The article originally appeared in the February 3 – 9, 2022 print edition of The Two River Times.
