Coleen C. Marshall

November 23, 2024

Coleen C. Marshall died peacefully on November 23, 2024 at Lancaster General Hospital in the presence of her loving husband, three children, and sister. She was born on November 15, 1947 in Miami, Florida and, as part of a military family, lived in numerous states and foreign countries, including Morocco and Guam. She lived in Bel Air, MD for nearly 50 years, then moved to the Willow Valley Communities in 2021.

First and foremost, Coleen was known for her quick smile and kind disposition. She laughed often and easily. Her greatest joy was her family, and she was adored by her three children and seven grandchildren. She was a wonderful Mimi who was happiest when she had the grandchildren for sleepovers where they would bake cookies, play board and card games and read bedtime stories. Coleen’s true aspiration in life was to be the best wife, mother, grandmother, and homemaker that she could be, and she truly was.

She prided herself on her lush flower gardens and her ability to create an inviting environment for her feathered friends. Coleen spent many hours learning about and watching the birds on her many feeders and in her plentiful bird houses. She was particularly enamored with her bluebirds, and woe unto any intruders who tried to take over the bluebird nests.

Coleen’s engaging personality and love of life attracted many new friends throughout her lifetime including her tennis, bridge, and golf friends at Maryland Golf & Country Clubs, Meadia Heights Golf Club, and the Willow Valley Communities. She readily admitted that the best part of her golf game was the lunch afterwards with the girls. She enjoyed sharing her love of babies, bridge, reading, tea, shopping, and word games with her friends and family. She was renowned for her holiday decorating. Coleen especially loved the Christmas season when every room in her home was adorned with her cherished holiday trimmings and was most happy when she was hosting family and friends for delicious food and plentiful cheer. When living in Bel Air, she always looked forward to celebrating the season by singing in the United Methodist Church Christmas Cantata.

Coleen is survived by her husband of 54 years, Thomas E. Marshall; her three children: Erin M. Steffes (husband Kirk) of Fallston, MD; Christopher S. Marshall (wife Amy) of Wilmington, DE; and Megan M. Matthews (husband Jon) of Bryn Mawr, PA. Seven grandchildren also survive her: Marshall, Brennan and Addie Steffes; Mollie and Quinn Marshall; and Millie and Margaux Matthews. She is also survived by her brother, Robert Carraway, and her sister, Kathy Bailey (husband Robert) of Charlotte, NC as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A Celebration of Life will be held at noon on December 21, 2024 at the Willow Valley Communities, Lakes Campus, Lakes Auditorium (4th floor).

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to your favorite charity.