She did what was right for the village.
That’s how friends and neighbors are remembering Marcia Kay Rockafellow, who died Jan. 28, 2015 at the Genesys Convalescent Center.
She was 77.
Rockafellow served on the Goodrich Village Council from 1977-1986 and 1990-1999. She also served on the Goodrich Planning Commission, Goodrich Zoning Board of Appeals, Genesee County Police Authority Board, Genesee County 911 Board and Goodrich Ambulance Board. In addition Marcia was an active member of the Goodrich United Methodist Church, president of Goodrich Woman’s Club for more than 20 years, and loved playing bridge.
Marcia was born April 11, 1937 in Oxford to Harold and Adreath (Stewart) Gark. Marcia graduated from Berrien Springs High School and later attended Licensed Practical Nurses School at Flint Hurley Hospital.
‘Marcia was a dear friend to me,? said Nancy Dugas. ‘She mentored me as I became an officer of the Goodrich Woman’s Club many years ago. She was also an asset to the Village of Goodrich and the community. I’ll miss her’she was a sweet woman.?
Surviving are sister, Sara Bachmann, children Keith Rockafellow, Lisa (Michael) Schwartz, Clarke Rockafellow, Laura (Micheal) Beadlescomb; grandchildren Kate, Matthew, David, Theresa. Rae, Mickey, Levi; great-grandchildren Kane, Harlo, Kyrie; several loved nieces, nephews and cousins. Preceded in death by husband Robert; son Ray and her parents.
Pete Morey, current Goodrich Village Council member and was a long time neighbor of Marcia.
‘She was a village person,? said Morey. ‘Marcia was a caring neighbor for years. She was part of the neighborhood village flower fund in your neighborhood. While on the council she was worked to get the library moved into the village and sewers too.?
Jeanette Pierson recalled Rockafellow’s fortitude.
‘As a close friend Marcia I had many conversations over the years with her,? she said. ‘She was a brave and determined woman’it was a plus for her.?
Funeral services were Feb. 2 at the Goodrich United Methodist Church, 8071 S. State Road, Goodrich. Pastor Jeremy Africa officiated. Interment was at Hadley Cemetery. Contributions for Rockafellow may be made to the Goodrich United Methodist Church.
‘I am very thankful that Marcia and Jakki Sidge (Goodrich Village Administrator) who interviewed and recommended me to council to hire me back in 1998,? said Traci Sasser, Village of Goodrich administrative assistant. ‘We seemed to always get along, we respected each other even when we disagreed. I learned a lot about the village and small town politics from her. She was a huge part of this small community and will be greatly missed.?
Ed York, former council president served with Marcia.
‘I was new to the village when I was elected to the village council in 1989,? said York. ‘Marish loved Goodrich she was here a long time. Honestly, she spoke her mind and not all the people like that sometimes. Marcia did not have an agenda’she did what was right for the village. We may have voted differently at time but we respected each other.?