An accomplished artist, passionate activist, outdoor enthusiast, and voracious reader, Marcia Marie Cowles Bushnell, age 92, lived an inspiring life before peacefully passing with family by her side on February 15, 2024 at her beloved summer residence in Strafford, VT.

Born in Melrose in 1931, Marcia grew up in Lexington and largely resided there both as a growing child and, then, with a growing family of her own. She and her husband, Kendrick G. Bushnell, resided in Bedford for the last 19 years.

After graduating from Colby Sawyer College in 1953, Marcia entered the teaching profession. She taught high school English before raising a family, and volunteered as an ELL teacher over many years. In everything, Marcia invited others to engage in thinking deeper, to look more closely, and to make connections. Time with her, whether in front of a canvas, in a garden or reading a poem was an opportunity to pause, notice, learn and grow.

Marcia married her beloved life's partner of 68 years, Kendrick G. Bushnell, on November 19, 1955. Their complementary natures and talents led to a full and rewarding life raising three children, holding two active church memberships at Hancock UCC in Lexington and the United Church of Strafford in Strafford, VT., and a commitment to welcoming, caring and nurturing others. Their commitment and devotion to each other was fully and poignantly realized in their passings just 3 days apart with she preceding him.

Marcia was also a champion of national and international political causes lifting up the injustices experienced by others. Her large oil canvases not only captured the beautiful landscapes and barnyards she loved, but challenged the observer to see the suffering of those who are forgotten, persecuted and displaced. Her expansive Refugee Collection has been hung and republished in academic, religious and activist settings with a highlight being the selection of a canvas for exhibit when Desmond Tutu spoke at the Old South Church in Boston in 2007. Her social justice collection can be found at mmcbushnell.com.

Marcia will be deeply missed by three grateful children and their spouses: Catherine B. Bowden married to Kenneth W. Bowden; Robert A. Bushnell married to Jean A. Bushnell; and Steven E. Bushnell married to Monica S. Bushnell. She will be lovingly remembered by seven grandchildren: Thomas M. Bowden and his spouse Charlotte C. Bowden; Matthew R. Bushnell and his spouse Melissa C. Bushnell; Melanie Bowden; Sara B. Pelczar and her spouse Kyle E. Pelczar; Benjamin A. Bushnell; Marshall P. Bushnell; Anita M. Bushnell; and five great grandchildren. Marcia is also survived by her sister, Wilene C. Knight of Amherst, NH, and her brother, William F. Cowles Jr. and wife, Carolyn of Wickenburg, AZ and many loved nephews and nieces.

A gathering of remembrance for both Marcia and her husband, Ken will be held in Shawsheen Funeral Home on March 2, 2024 from 2pm to 5pm. The family is planning a memorial service and private interment for late spring in Strafford, VT.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Marcia's memory may be made to the United Church of Strafford, P.O. Box 124, Strafford, VT 05072.​