Marian Jean “Jean” Marsh, 84, of New Castle, Delaware, passed away peacefully on October 4, 2025. She was born on July 3, 1941, and lived a life filled with love, creativity, and devotion to her family.
Jean attended William Penn High School and then went on to Goldey-Beacom College before she started working at WSFS Bank. She met the love of her life, Keith I. Marsh, at a bowling work party, and the two began dating soon after. They were married on September 19, 1964, and together built a beautiful life filled with family, friendship, and tradition. She was the cherished mother of Karen Renee Marsh, Julie Anne (Frank) Whalen, and Brian Keith (Jennifer) Marsh. She was a proud and adoring grandmother to Emerson Marsh; Kevin (Kristin) Whalen, great grandchild Genevieve Marian Whalen; Ian, Maggie, Quin, and Owen Whalen; and Lilly and Levi Marsh.
A dedicated member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, Jean found joy in her faith and in serving her community. She was an active member of many clubs, including her bridge club, gardening club, and dinner club with close friends in her neighborhood. Jean had a creative spirit and loved making crafts, painting, ceramics, sewing, and tending to her gardens. She also enjoyed visiting antique shops, thrifting, and collecting treasures. Together with Keith, she opened an antique store and proudly ran one of its booths. Later, one of her favorite roles was serving as a guide at the Reed House & Gardens, a National Historic Landmark in New Castle, Delaware, where she shared her love of history with visitors.
One of her greatest joys was spending the 4th of July week at Rehoboth Beach with her family. There, she helped foster many beloved traditions—playing cards and dominos with lively competition, opinion and laughter; board games, and puzzles; enjoying painting birdhouses with her grandchildren; crabbing off the docks; and spending long summer days at the beach. In her younger years, she even loved to stop in Dewey at the Bottle & Cork, adding her own sparkle to the family stories still told today.
Jean will be remembered for her kindness, her warmth, and the love she so freely shared. Her legacy lives on in her husband, children, grandchildren, great grandchild and all whose lives she touched.
Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations can be made to your favorite organization or charity.
