Carrie (Elias) Marsh

With hearts filled with sadness and blessing we announce the passing of our cherished matriarch Carrie Marsh, age 97, on February 25, 2016. Her passing leaves us with memories of a life well lived. Carrie's love for her family and Brenham, her home for the last 71 years will leave a huge hole in our hearts and the fabric of her community.

Carrie Marsh was born Caroline Elias on October 19, 1918 in Brooklyn, New York to Sophie and Abraham Elias, who predeceased her. Carrie's younger sister Ruth Simon also predeceased her. She married the love of her life, Abe Marsh in New York on November 9, 1940. Their love brought them 3 incredible daughters, Pat, Barbara and Frances. They shared their home with family and friends for the 55 years of their marriage until his death in 1995.

In December 1945, Carrie and Abe made the bold and adventurous step to move to Brenham Texas to open Marsh's Department store on Alamo Street. Marsh's was the place to go for women's fashions for 52 years. Carrie recalled her first days in Brenham. She said, "I still remember my mother, myself and my 2 year old daughter Pat driving down Market Street looking at all the Christmas lights. Never did I imagine that my life in Texas would be as fulfilling as it has been.”

And fulfilling it was. To Carrie and Abe customers and employees became family. Brenham was richer because Carrie Marsh called it home. Carrie was a tireless volunteer for the Nancy Carol Roberts public library and the host program at Alton Elementary. Carrie led Girl Scout troop 13 for 12 years. She was a member of the Fortnightly Club for over 50 years, life member of the Brenham Fine Arts League, and the Friendship Quilt Guild. Her good works did not go unnoticed. Among the many accolades she was the Banner Press Woman of the Year, First Woman Chairman of the March of Dimes, Girl Scout Woman of Distinction and Pilot Club Woman of the Year. Last year she was honored for her part in the building of the new library. For her 90th birthday the Brenham mayor proclaimed it Carrie Marsh Day. Carrie hoped "My work and positive attitude has brought inspiration to many."

There is no doubt that Carrie inspired many but none more than the family she cherished. She is grateful for her children for "teaching the meaning of unconditional love," and for her sons-in-law Guy Bobkoff (Pat), Jerry Friedson (Barbara) and Alan Gerson (Frances) who "treated me with total love and respect." Carrie's grandchildren Julie Friedson Frayman and husband Michael, Sheri Friedson Pullen and husband Eric, Lisa Bobkoff Carpenter and husband Eric brought much happiness to her life. Great grandchildren Hannah and Jamie Frayman, Abigail and Mitchell Pullen, Michael Davis and Lindsey Carpenter were a blessing in her life. To her extended family, nieces Joy Licht, Renee Simon Gormley and her husband Paul, great nephew Gregg Licht and wife Rachel and great niece Samantha Licht Lowe and husband Jeffrey and their children Eli and Madi and her 106 year old sister-in-law Rose Bender, Carrie was light and love personified.

To Carrie's poker, Mah Jongg and Bridge family she wrote, "I cherish you all and the time we spent together." She was grateful for the love and support of longtime neighbors Betty and Harvey Bradley.

The family is forever thankful for her loving caregivers Ana Johnson, Eric Johnson, Gladys Johnson, Shikkitha Johnson, and Shirley Taylor.

Carrie was a member of Congregation Beth Yeshurun in Houston for 60 years.

Visitation with family will be Sunday, February 28th from 2:00- 4:00 p.m. in Brenham Memorial Chapel.

Graveside funeral services will be conducted by Rabbi Emeritus Jack Segal Monday, February 29th at 3:45 p.m. at the B'nai Abraham Cemetery in Brenham.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Nancy Carol Roberts Library, the American Cancer Society, Houston Hospice 1905 Holcombe Blvd. Houston 77030-4123 or a charity of your choice.

Carrie left us with one last gift, a poem that inspired her life:
I'd like the memory of me
To be a happy one
I'd like to leave an afterglow
I'd like to leave an echo
Whispering loudly down the ways
Of happy times and laughing times
And bright and sunny days
I'd like the tears of those who grieve
To dry before the sun
Of memories I leave
When life is done.
-Author Unknown

Services are in the care of Brenham Memorial Chapel, 2300 Stringer St., Brenham, TX 77833. 979.836.3611 Tributes may be shared at www.BrenhamMemorialChapel.com.