MARSHA ALICE (MINER) HESSE

BRANDON — It is with heavy hearts and deep sadness that we announce the passing of our mom, Marsha Alice (Miner) Hesse, 70, of Brandon, Vt., on July 11, 2025.

Marsha was born in Middlebury, Vt., on March 11, 1955, and raised on the Thelee Farm on the Arnold District Road in Brandon. Marsha was the daughter of the late Thelma (Hathaway) and Leo Miner. She attended Otter Valley Union High School and graduated with the Class of 1973. In 2016, she was predeceased by her beloved husband, David Hesse, and carried his memory with her always.

Marsha is survived by her two daughters, Sarah Pelkey (Adam Pelkey) of West Rutland and Melissa Lynch (Shaun Tulley) of Brandon; and her four treasured grandchildren, Max, Dylan, and Emma Derby, and Elaina Pelkey, who knew her simply and lovingly as “Granny.” To them, she was everything. Her presence in their lives was constant, grounding, and full of joy. The bond they shared was deep and unmatched. She is also survived by her sister, Marie Perry of South Burlington, Vt.; three brothers, Ernie Miner (Debbie) of Leicester, Vt., James Miner (Kim) and Edward Miner (Lynn), both of Brandon, Vt.; her aunt Gertrude Hathway of Benson, Vt.; and the many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family who knew her love and generosity. In recent years, she’d developed a special loving bond with her niece, Emily Rose Miner.

Marsha wore many hats throughout her life — daughter, sister, mother, wife, grandmother, friend, confidante — but above all, she was a caregiver and protector. She raised her daughters faithfully with fierce devotion and grace, earning them the shared nickname “Marsha and the girls.” Her daughters mourn the loss of their mother, their rock, and their greatest cheerleader.

She had an undeniable sense of style — designing her own clothes as a teenager — and a sharp wit paired with a warm heart. She was beautiful, cool, maternal, funny, and generous with what she had.

Marsha was also a dedicated member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Marble Chapter No. 80 in Brandon, for over 30 years. Her commitment to community and tradition was a quiet but steady part of her life.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 26, at 1 p.m., at the Brandon Congregational Church. All who loved her are welcome.

Marsha lived a life defined by care, laughter, and strength. She leaves behind a family knit tightly with her love, and a legacy that will live on through every memory, every story, and every heart she touched.

The family asks that donations in her memory be made to Shriner’s Hospital for Children, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, or similar charitable organizations supporting children in need or charities benefiting homeless dogs. ◊