Marsh endowment supports future nurses

For many mothers, taking care of their family and children would consume their days. But after her seventh child was born, Gracia Ellen Marsh found time to pursue a career in nursing by enrolling at Delta College.

She graduated at the top of her class, then joined Mercy Hospital, followed by Bay Medical Center.

Even while working and continuing her education, Gracia always had time for her children – Del, Susie, Nancy, Bruce, Brian, Sally and Linda. They recently shared that her treasure was not in things, but in her family. 

Gracia and Tom Marsh were married for 49 years, before he passed in 1999. She later married Glenn Marsh, gaining five step-children – Ron, Sandy, Kim, Wayne and Ken. Glenn passed in 2007.

Gracia loved to travel, and visited most of the 50 states, as well as Great Britain and France. Summers also brought the annual family camping trip to Clear Lake, where a 60-year family tradition has grown to include more than 100 people.

Because of her intellect and loving nature, family and friends turned to Gracia in times of trouble and illness. Even in her later years, she inspired her friends and family.

After Gracia’s passing in 2020, her family reached out to Delta College to explore how they might memorialize her life and her work. Earlier this year, the Foundation Board voted to approve the Gracia E. Marsh Memorial Nursing Scholarship, which will support full-time or part-time students in the future as they study to join the nursing field. 

“Our mother was an advocate for education,” said Linda Marsh Ambrose. “She believed that whatever education a person receives, it can never be taken away.”

Mrs. Marsh’s nursing legacy continues, as all of her daughters and several of her granddaughters have also made nursing their career. 

Delta's Nursing Program

Delta College’s Registered Nurse (ADN) program prepares students to join the health care field, bringing dedication, critical thinking, and clinical knowledge and skills to the workplace. Students who complete their studies must also take the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX).

As a Delta College student, years ago, Gracia earned a score in the 700s (with 650 being considered superior) on the state board examination. She joined a deep bench of successful alumni, since the certification (NCLEX) pass rate of Delta’s graduates is consistently higher than national and state averages.