Marsha Lois Rachlin, “MaPooh,” mother, grandmother and friend, lost her short battle with cancer on Dec. 8, 2009 at age 72, leaving behind her daughters Karen Ruby and Maya Sanchez and granddaughters Rachel and Nicole Ruby.

Born in St. Louis, Ill., Marsha moved to Los Angeles at age 5. She graduated from UCLA and Cal Berkeley, earning credentials to become a teacher in Los Angeles. After teaching for 26 years, Marsha retired and moved to Friday Harbor on the island of San Juan, Wash. Marsha spent the remainder of her life enjoying her passion for art by establishing Tile Art, a custom tile business.

She remained involved in helping the local youth by tutoring and raising funds for the graduating seniors as president of Island Artisans, an art scholarship foundation, for 10 years; and was also active with the Visual Arts Museum of San Juan County.

She was an immensely talented, giving and free-spirited soul who graced us with her contagious smile and warm heart. She will be missed and remain in our hearts forever.

Please join us at her “Celebration of Life” potluck at the American Legion in Friday Harbor, Feb. 6 at 1 p.m. If you are planning to attend, RSVP to Karen at rubysrrare@hotmail.com or (310) 874-3294.

In lieu of flowers, contributions made to Island Artisans “Marsha Fund,” P.O. Box 96, Friday Harbor, WA. 98250 are grately appreciated.

— Family of Marsha Lois Rachlin