Marsha Louise Carson (Gardner)

May 13, 1952 - September 3, 2002   (50)

Marsha Garner died following a long a debilitating illness.  She was born to Boyd and Irma Carson at TMC in Tucson.  Attending public schools, she graduated from Catalina HIgh School in 1970 and was then renrolled in Pima College for one year.  She sang in the choir at Catalina Methodist Church for many years and later, in the choir of Christ Church United Methodist.

One June 28, 1980, she was married to Michael Gardner.  They have made their home in Tucson and have a daughter, Crystal Love, born November 19 1983.

In 1995, when Marsha was stricken with a viral disease that left her paraplegic, she was a Continuing Education student working toward a degree in Early Childhood Education at PCC.  Teaching kindergarten had been a lifelong dream.

Marsha was preceded in death by her father.  She is survived by her devoted husband, Michael, beloved daughter Crystal, mother, Irma, brother Dennis (Roberta) Carson all of Tucson; mother in law, Barbara (Curtis) Schmidt of Long Beach, CA and brother in law, Richard (Debbie) Gardner of Riverside, CA.

She will be greatly missed by many other loving relatives and friends who will long remember her courage.  We all watched her joyfully dancing the Macarena in her wheelchair at her nephew's wedding reception.  Next to family and little children, Marsha loved music, dance, books and family gatherings.

The family wishes to thank all those who remembered and prayed for her during the past seven years.  We especially thank her doctor and all the wonderful caregivers at Summit Hospital along with those who cared for her at home.  Memorials in her name may be made the to the children's charity of your choice.  A memorial service will be held at Desert Skies United Methodist Church, 3255 N. Houghton Rd at Ft Lowell, on Saturday, September 14, 10am.  Arrangements by Swan Funeral Home.