Marsha Kirshenbaum, 77

CRANSTON, R.I. – Marsha D. (Rosenfeld) Kirshenbaum, of Cranston, passed away on July 31, surrounded by family. She was the loving wife of Allen M. Kirshenbaum, with whom she shared (in her own words), “the best 57 years of a marriage one could have.”

Marsha is also survived by her three adoring children, Evan M. Kirshenbaum and his wife Lisa, Elana H. Kirshenbaum, and Loren A. Sidman and her husband James. She was also the doting grandmother to five grandchildren, Nathan B. Kirshenbaum, Sarah E. Sidman, Lucy A. Kirshenbaum, Eden J. Sidman, and Nadiya C. Kirshenbaum, and expressed with pure affection, “my grandchildren from the oldest to the youngest brought love, laughter, fun, and pride always and I hope my love will always shine down on them and brighten their lives.” She was also the sister of the late Donald A. Rosenfeld of Salt Lake City, Utah.

Born in Providence, to the late Nathan and Sarah (Sally) Rosenfeld on March 8, 1944, Marsha was a graduate of Hope High School and Simmons College, where she received a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and graduated Magna Cum Laude. Marsha was a valuable and trusted leader in her professional endeavors. She was manager of Corporate Actuarial Services at General Electric Corporation and taught two sections of the national actuarial exam. Marsha was also Vice President of Administration at Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare, and eventually, President of MK Consultants, her own consulting firm.

In addition to her remarkable dedication to her professional career, Marsha was highly committed to giving back to her community by volunteering on numerous boards and committees. At Simmons College, she served as the President of the Alumnae Executive Board, Vice President of the Executive Board, Director at Large for the Grant Review Committee, and was a member of the Career Advisory Board and Leadership Council. During her time with the Women’s Fund of Rhode Island, Marsha served as a Board Member on the Governance Committee, Finance Committee, and Grant Review Committee. Marsha also remained committed to her alma mater, Hope High School, where she served as a Board Member of Hope High School Dollars for Scholars, was a Finance Committee member, and served as Co-Chair of the Scholarship Committee. Lastly, Marsha was a Member of the Blue Cross Corporation.

Marsha lived her life to the fullest; she traveled the world with Allen, shared her passion for musical theater with her children and grandchildren, thoroughly enjoyed baking for her family and friends, and most importantly, exemplified grace and warmth.

In lieu of gifts, donations can be made to one of the following charities or a charity of your choice. Dana Farber Lowe Center for Thoracic Oncology (select Lung Cancer), Hope High School Dollars for Scholars, or Simmons University.