Marcia E. Burgoon

Marcia Sibley Burgoon went to be the Lord on Friday, March 31, 2023. She was 78 and spent her last day singing, laughing and taking care of others, which is what she always did. She was born August 30, 1944 in Towson, Maryland, and is the daughter of the late Jonathan and Marcia Sibley and devoted wife to Norman Richard Burgoon. Marcia graduated from Towson High School, received her BS in Education/Science at University of Maryland College Park and was a member of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority. While Marcia began her life work as a high school home economics teacher, she quickly realized her strengths in communication, marketing and networking. She was a marketing consultant for much of her adult life representing a variety of industries from Easton Village to Vantage House and Arbor Glen (Retirement Communities) to Orange County Tourism (NY), the Hall of Fame of the Trotter and historic race track, Historic renovation of Stevensville, one of the FIRST cell phone companies, and the Kent Narrows Power Boat Association. Just to name a few. She won countless awards and recognition including a “Woman of the Year” from the Maryland State Governor. She also earned several awards as a Realtor, including an Award of Integrity and a Community Service Award. Her networking skills were highly sought-after as she was the creator, founder and president of a number of community organizations, including the Chesapeake Women’s Network (QA & Talbot), Ocean City Women’s Network and the Rainbows Program for children. She was an active graduate, Board member, and chairperson multiple committees with the Shore Leadership Foundation. Marcia’s true passion was serving the Lord and she did so with enthusiasm. She was an active member of several churches over her lifetime including University of Baptist Church (Baltimore),Kent Island United Methodist Church, Real Life Chapel, and Bay Country Church where she taught adult Sunday School and led many ministries and was the prayer coordinator. She coordinated community and church-affiliated bible studies for most of her adult life. The one she was most proud of was High on Life, which was a ministry for young adults on Kent Island and “Ms. Marcia” has remained close to many of them for 30+ years. Her benevolent work continued after her retirement. Marcia served as a volunteer and Board member for Choices Pregnancy Center in Easton, Maryland. She also continued leading bible studies and volunteering with churches that she was involved in. As accomplished as she was in her career, Marcia was most proud of her family. Marcia and Rick were married for 57 years. Together they raised three daughters – Sherrie Schuman (Heath), Danielle Burgoon (1993) and Michelle Sommers (Jay). They were most proud of their four grandchildren – Cole Schuman, Danielle Schuman, Kai Sommers and Kade Sommers who only knew her as their fun-making, silly and praying “Marci”. She used to say she never thought she could ever love anything more than her children until she had grandchildren. She has left them an amazing legacy of love and faith. And to see the “Beautiful” in everything. Known as “Mootsie” to her family, she is also survived by her brother, Robert Sibley and his wife Donna along with many close cousins, nieces and nephews. Marcia’s primary goal in life was to serve the Lord and bring others to know Him. Her faith was unshakable. Even through losing her daughter and her failing brain, she praised God and prayed for everyone. She was patient, caring and selfless – always worried about other’s needs before her own. Marcia enjoyed spending time with her family, the Bible and her daily walks. She was available at any time if anyone needed a prayer or just someone to talk to. She set an impossibly high example of love and kindness as she accepted everyone. Easter was her absolute favorite time of the year. It is because of Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection that we KNOW she is with Jesus and we will be with her again. She would want us to share that message not cry for her. In fact....she arrived just in time for the greatest party of all - imagine what Easter Morning was like in heaven….. She left a message from years ago that read, "Whenever He comes for me, know that it is the perfect time for me to be with Him…and I have no doubt whatsoever that when I close my eyes for the last time, I will open them in His presence and His arms forever.” In that we find amazing peace and comfort. The number of people she has touched in her lifetime is incredible and we cherish the stories that have been shared. She had the unique gift to make everyone feel as if they were the most important person to her! And they were. She had an infinite capacity to love. Please join us on May 6, 2023 at 11 AM at Kent Island Methodist Church as we celebrate her life, love, faith and her change of address. Please dress cheerfully. Just as they are in heaven, she is with Danielle at the Stevensville cemetery if anyone would like to visit. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Choices Pregnancy Center,505 Dutchman’s Lane, B1, Easton, MD 21601 or Samaritans Purse (www.samaritanspurse.org). One of her favorite Bible verses Isaiah 40:31 - “They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” She is soaring!

Marcia E. Burgoon

August 30, 1944 - March 31, 2023