Marsha was born December 29, 1953 in Nocona, Texas to Charles and Martha Christiansen. She was raised in Illinois and Iowa, graduating in 1972 from Central High School in Davenport, Iowa.
After high school, Marsha joined the United States Air Force and served from 1972 – 1979 based at McChord Air Force Base in Tacoma, Washington. While in the Air Force, she met her husband Patrick Bowe and they married in 1977. Their son Michael was born in 1979. While living in Tacoma, Marsha graduated from Clover Park Vo-Tech with legal secretary certification.
In 1986, Pat, Marsha and Michael moved to Spokane Washington with Pat’s job and then on to Boise Idaho in 1993.
Marsha was very creative, a wonderful decorator, a great conversationalist and always stayed up on current events. She had many different hobbies, was an excellent artist/crafter and an avid reader. She loved her flower gardens, her cats and her backyard bird sanctuary. Marsha proudly called herself a Bird Nerd. Her love of hummingbirds was one of her greatest joys. She gained a knowledge of these little gems through the Intermountain Bird Observatory and shared her knowledge of hummingbirds with anyone who would sit still and listen to her go on and on about them.
Marsha never knew a stranger and always strived to find the good in everyone. Kindness was always at the forefront of her life. “Always be kind to yourself,” she would say, “and be especially kind to others.”
Marsha was preceded in death by both parents, stepfather Marvin Christiansen, sisters Linda Sievertsen, Shirley Daily and brother Monte Christiansen. She is survived by her loving and wonderful husband Patrick, son Michael and sisters JoAnne Glover of Phoenix, AZ, Dorothy Stark (Junior) and Sharon Rios (Oscar) both of Davenport, IA and also many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends (most of whom she considered family too).
A special thanks goes to Dr. Karl Schultheiss. Dr. Lindsey Salesand the entire staff at St. Alphonsus Boise Cancer Institute for the quality care, patience and kindness they provided Marsha.Also, to Keystone Hospice, who lightened the load the family had to bear.
Services will take place at Bowman Funeral Home in Boise, ID with burial at the Idaho State Veteran’s Cemetery in Boise.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in Marsha’s name to the American Cancer Society(https://www.cancer.org/), Intermountain Bird Observatory hummingbird fund (https://give.boisestate.edu/ibo) or a charity of your choice.
Marsha’s service will be live-streamed August 31, 2020 at 1:30 pm to watch her service go to http://www.bowmanfuneral.com/livestream/ Password bowmanlive
Marsha’s Tribute Video https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/27QL529NW348HKT5
Marsha’s Celebration of Life https://vimeo.com/452665339
Marsha’s Idaho State Veterans Cemetery Committal Service https://vimeo.com/454479459
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Alison Lantz says
August 23, 2020 at 10:56 amI am so grateful to have known Marsha. Although we went to the same high school, we did not know each other then. Our friendship started here in Boise when she suggested we meet for coffee. She was appalled at my lack of knowledge of gardening, flowers, birds, baking, posting on Facebook, etc. but she accepted me anyway. Over time, we found we did have other shared interests though (arts and crafts, coffee, books, the West). I enjoyed my time with Marsha and the many conversations we had. I now have a hummingbird feeder and other bird feeders in my yard and grow special flowers for the honey bees. I will miss you Marsha and think of you every time I see a hummingbird.
Sharon Rios says
August 23, 2020 at 12:07 pmSo very thankful that God blessed me with you for a sister . Through all of life’s struggles you were always there as a source of love, encouragement and comfort and for that I am eternally grateful ! Not only will you be tremendously missed I will miss our phone calls that always ended with ” I love you baby sister” ! You are now pain free so…fly high sister and rest in peace knowing that you will never be forgotten .” Goodbyes are never easy and often bittersweet , but rest assured you’re in Gods hands until again we meet ” ….. With the deepest love ever imaginable , Your baby sister , Sharon
Melody Guenther says
August 23, 2020 at 12:17 pmWe met in high school, so sad that I didn’t get to stop by last fall when I was on my way to Oregon. Sure will miss your posts and your amazing spirit. Sending love to the family.
Bruce Hammond says
August 23, 2020 at 12:45 pmMarsha and I renewed our high school friendship 10 years ago and she became one of my closest friends. I will miss being able to talk to her about anything without judgement. Glad I got to know ya Marsha.
Alison Lantz says
August 23, 2020 at 12:55 pmI am so grateful to have known Marsha. Although we went to the same high school, we did not know each other then. Our friendship started here in Boise when she suggested we meet for coffee. Marsha was appalled at my lack of interest in gardening, birds, baking and posting on FB. She accepted me anyway and over time, we learned we shared other interests (coffee, arts and crafts, books and authors, etc.). I enjoyed my time with Marsha and the many interesting conversations we had. She loved her family and friends and talked about them often. It was difficult for me seeing all the health struggles Marsha endured but from her, I learned the definition of a warrior. I now have a hummingbird feeder and other bird feeders in my yard because of her. I will miss you Marsha. You were a special lady!
Alison Lantz says
August 23, 2020 at 1:41 pmAlthough Marsha and I went to the same high school, we did not know each other then. Our friendship started here in Boise and we learned we shared interests (coffee, art, books and authors). We had many interesting conversations with no topic off limits. She loved her family and friends and spoke of them often. I had a difficult time seeing all the health struggles she faced. She was a warrior and a special lady! I will miss her.
Jo Anne Glover says
August 23, 2020 at 2:09 pmTo my BABY sister Marsha. Us girls had an unbreakable bond through the years. We’ve been through a lot both together and on our own but we’ve always endured. These last few months have been the hardest on us all, knowing but not wanting to accept that you would soon be gone. I will miss our daily calls and text messages. As the song says “go rest high upon that mountain, you work on earth is done”. We will meet you on the other side when our time comes. Love you baby sister and you will never be forgotten.
Kathy olsen says
August 26, 2020 at 7:42 pmShe was a gift to all who had the special privilege to know her. When she came to Eddie’s I would get her beautiful smile and oh yes. Amazing loving hug. ?. Getting to see what kept her going was her incredible support from her siblings her loving husband and son.
To know all of her team makes me know you are the best life has to offer.
May you be able to be in peace and let our sweet angel fly.
Kathy
Dottie Stark says
August 25, 2020 at 12:34 pmMarsha was the most loving, friendliest and the strongest person I knew. We were very close growing up. Mom always made me tag along with her, “Marsha’s little sister”, I think to keep her out of trouble. She never knew a stranger and was always there to help others. As we grew older and started our lives, we still remained close even though we were states apart. We talked frequently about our lives and families and our favorite hobby, hummingbirds. We gave them all a name. Today I named a new one. As it fluttered in my face, I looked up and smiled and said “hi Marsha”. Rest in peace beautiful lady. Your battle is over. Love and miss you always, Your sister Dottie.
Loren Ramsey says
September 10, 2020 at 7:54 pmMike was a good high school friend. His Mom, Marsha was a wonderful lady. She had a great laugh and was so fun to chat with. So sad to hear of her passing. My condolences to Pat and Mike.
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