Marsha D. (Rosenfeld) Kirshenbaum

Marsha D. Kirshenbaum

MARCH 8, 1944 – JULY 31, 2021

Marsha D. (Rosenfeld) Kirshenbaum, age 77, of Cranston, Rhode Island passed away on Saturday, July 31, 2021 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, RI 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.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, August 3, 2021, at 1 pm at SHALOM MEMORIAL CHAPEL, 1100 New London Ave, Cranston. Masks will be required in the funeral home.  Shiva will be observed at 157 Sweetbriar Drive, Cranston on Tuesday, 7-9 pm, Wednesday, 2-4 p.m. & 7-9 p.m., and Thursday 2-4 p.m. & 7-9 p.m.
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.

 

25 Comments

  1. Marjory Brenner
    Aug 1, 2021

    With sincere sympathy to the Kirshenbaum family on the sad passing of Marsha. I will remember her from our long ago days at High Ridge as brilliant & beautiful, warm & caring.
    My late husband Gerald knew Tot as a fellow attorney.
    Marjory Brenner
    Cumberland, RI

  2. Carol S. Woolf Stanley Woolf
    Aug 1, 2021

    Another bright light has been dimmed. We will always remember her brilliance, warmth and welcoming smile. Our deepest sympathy to Tot and their children and grandchildren. May her memory always be a blessing.

  3. Marilyn Greenberg
    Aug 1, 2021

    So very sad to hear of Marsha’s passing.
    I’ve known Marsha for almost 70 years. We grew up in the same neighborhood and went to the same schools til college. She ‘s such a special person. I know Marsha will be missed and loved always.

  4. Louis Myrow
    Aug 1, 2021

    Sending Condolences and Blessings of Love, Light and Peace to the Kirshenbaum family and all connected. Marsha was a wonderful person and cousin. I was blessed to spend many occasions with her and the family over the years. Marsha was a heart person. Her last words to me were given to my wife, Michelle at my mothers shiva…”Take good care of Louis. He is a good kind heart”. Well Marsha, It took someone with heart to recognize this. The world is not the same without you and your warmth. Love you Always. Shalom, Louis and Michelle Myrow

  5. Pam Toulopoulos
    Aug 1, 2021

    I was honored to serve with Marsha on the Alumnae Association Executive Board at Simmons University. Marsha, with her trademark smile, served with grace and humility. I always admired how beautifully Marsha was dressed. Always a lady. We bonded over our discussions of craft shows we had attended and handmade treasures we had found. I offer my most sincere sympathy to her family and friends.

  6. Linda Gershon
    Aug 1, 2021

    I was so sorry to hear about Marsha. She was a warm, friendly person whenever we ran into each other. I remember looking up to her in our teenage years. So beautiful! I know your family will be a source of comfort during this difficult time.

  7. The Hope High Dollars for Scholars Board is so saddened by losing Marsha. She was a tremendous resource on so many fronts — financial, strategy and her leadership of our Scholarship Committee. She was so heartened by the smart and talented Hope High students who were so encouraged when they were awarded scholarships. And she truly loved seeing the Scholars graduate from college and thrive.

  8. Anne Dion
    Aug 2, 2021

    I am so sorry to hear about Marsha. Sending blessings, love, and condolences to Tot and the family. You all are in my prayers.

  9. Reba Karp Orszag
    Aug 2, 2021

    Marsha’s beautiful smile, warm heart, and generosity will always be remembered. I met Marsha in September 1961 when we were both freshmen at Simmons College. I enjoyed our times together and my visits to her home in Providence, RI. We were both married on June 21, 1964 and literally ‘bumped’ into each other at the swimming pool on our honeymoons in Puerto Rico! Our friendship continued over the years with shared museum trips, Red Sox games, reunions, and other celebrations. I have lost a very, very dear friend. My condolences to Tot and the family.

  10. Maureen Brousseau
    Aug 2, 2021

    My deepest sympathies to the Kirshenbaum family. Marsha was a brilliant woman, who had an inner strength, warm heart and presence that enlightened all she came in contact with. She was a mentor and will live in our hearts forever.

  11. Ben Schneider
    Aug 2, 2021

    Condolences.

  12. Joan M Healey
    Aug 2, 2021

    I had the pleasure of knowing Marsha for many years. She and my sister, Dorothy Healey Connell were friends from the neighborhood and at Hope High School. I later worked at Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare when Marsha was the Vice President of Administration. She would always remind me that she knew me from my days in the baby carriage when she and my sister would take me for a walk. It was a pleasure working with Marsha. She was incredibly kind, warm, intelligent, and a great mentor. My deepest sympathies to her family.

  13. Denise Mei
    Aug 2, 2021

    My deepest condolences to the whole Kirshenbaum family on your loss. I am sorry I did not know Marsha she sounds like a very special person. May your memories provide comfort in your journey through this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

  14. Paula Barasch
    Aug 2, 2021

    I remember so many happy times. Our friendship was not the longest, but the very best. For about 10 years of our childhood, we were like sisters, and that feeling really never left me. So – when we connected again a few years ago, it was so special. The memories made us laugh, and cry, too. They are the remini scences we shared and enjoyed. We planned a reunion, but God had other plans.
    Tot – I am so sorry for your tragic loss. I grieve with you. Paula

  15. Avis and Harris Greenstone
    Aug 3, 2021

    Tot,
    Harris and I send our deepest condolences to you and your children and grandchildren. Marsha was a very special woman to soo many.
    Our prayers are with you at this most difficult time.
    Remembering back to our Rhode Island years brings so many wonderful memories of you and Marsha and your families.
    Avis and Harris Greenstone

  16. Seth Adam perlmutter
    Aug 3, 2021

    My deepest condolences to Kirshenbaum family. May the father of peace send peace to your family at this time of saddness

  17. Helen Drinan
    Aug 3, 2021

    My sincere condolences to all who loved Marsha. She was gracious, poised, elegant, thoughtful, articulate, intelligent and so caring of all she loved. Every moment spent with Marsha was a delight. May her memory be a blessing.

  18. Elaine McCarthy
    Aug 3, 2021

    I met Marsha through my Alum volunteer work at Simmons and felt her warmth immediately. I wish I had worked with her on a regular basis.
    My condolences to her family.

  19. Laurissa Burns
    Aug 3, 2021

    I was saddened to hear about the passing of Marsha. I met her when I was just starting out my career at Harvard Pilgrim at the Coro building way back when. She was extremely smart and sharp – I remember her being so quick with math and analysis. Even though she had an executive position, she still made the time to mentor younger staff so naturally, like she was grooming the next generation of executives. I will always remember her impeccable style and Grace. My condolences go out to the Kishenbaum family.

  20. Marcia Cone'
    Aug 3, 2021

    I had the joy and pleasure of knowing, working with Marsha. I came to know Marsha through her engagement with the finance, governance, and grant review committees, as well as her service on the Board of Directors during my tenure as the CEO of the Women’s Fund of Rhode Island. She served with great commitment and joy; her contributions were many and her guidance always offered in warmth and kindness. A great light leaves our space. My deepest condolences to the Kirshenbaum family.

  21. Robert H. Friel, Esq.
    Aug 3, 2021

    To Allen, Evan and Family my sincere condolences on the passing of Marsha. She certainly contributed greatly to the community.
    Peace

  22. Enna Jimenez
    Aug 3, 2021

    I am so saddened by this news. I met Marsha when I joined the Simmons University Alumnae Association Executive Board. Marsha was simply the kindest heart-warming person who always greeted you with a smile. She enjoyed talking about her grandkids and her travels excursions with Allen. I loved all of her stories. She will be truly missed by all of us who knew her. Her impact to Simmons will be felt for many years. My deepest condolences to Allen and the entire family.

  23. Jeff & Corinne Salkin
    Aug 4, 2021

    Loren and Jim,

    We just heard about Loren’s mom tonight and wanted to send our warmest thoughts and wishes to you and your family. We’re sorry to hear about your loss.

    Jeff and Corinne (Salkin)

  24. Martin Malinou
    Aug 5, 2021

    I was sad to read in the Redwood Lodge news of the passing and send my sympathy to Allen and his children.
    Martin Malinou

  25. Jane Bruno
    Aug 12, 2021

    Allen and family,

    I just learned of the loss of your loving wife, mother and grandmother. She is beloved by so many and will be dearly missed. Words cannot express my sadness. She was one of the most selfless people I have ever met. She was a dear mentor and friend to me. My heartfelt condescends to Allen and the entire family.
    Jane Bruno

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