Marcia L. Walsh

Marcia L. Walsh, 78, died Feb. 1 at her home in Myrtle Beach, S.C.

She was born in Jersey City, N.J., raised in Summit and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Cedar Crest College in Allentown, Pa. She taught home economics, volunteered as a Grey Lady at Allentown Hospital, was a member of the Allentown Woman’s Club and was involved with the Girl Scouts and the American Association of University Women.

She pursued a career in the fashion industry and held design, marketing and management positions with a Coty Award winning designer. Her costume designs appeared in numerous theatrical productions including Off-Broadway shows. Following her relocation to the Washington, D.C. area, she established herself as a fashion consultant and produced widely acclaimed fashion shows for numerous Capitol-area clients.

She was currently serving as chair and chief financial officer for a real estate management corporation. She was a loyal supporter of Cedar Crest College and ardently sought to preserve its distinction as an independent women’s college. She was actively involved in all aspects of the Alumnae Association and served as the Class of 1951 President, president of the Watchung Alumnae Club, Reunion Chairwoman, Alumnae Weekend Chairwoman, president of the Lehigh Valley Alumnae Club, Alumnae Association director, president of the Alumnae Association, member of the Board of Trustees, Allentown Area Chairwoman for the Science Center Building Campaign, member of the President’s Council, winner of the Alumnae Award and was serving both as a member of the Alumnae Association Executive Board and Advisory Board.

Nurturing a dream for a “permanent place to keep our treasures from the past,” she founded the Alumnae Museum that exhibits fashions and memorabilia collected since 1867. She actively sustained its collections and exhibitions for over 15 years, provided scholarships to the annually selected student interns and established a Museum Work Study Program.

She is survived by her husband, James L. Walsh, also of Manning and her children, Nancy and Jeffrey.

The family suggests that memorials may be made to the Cedar Crest College Alumnae Museum Scholarship Fund.

A private service will be held.