Marsha Aronson, 76, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and former NYS-Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist, passed away at home after suffering a long illness. Marsha was born in 1947 in the Bronx, New York, to Pearl and Harry Aronson. She was raised by her parents and maternal grandparents, Nettie and Herman Baumet, in Washington Heights, in Manhattan.
Marsha attended the notable Bronx High School of Science, graduating when she was only 16. After completing a year at City College of New York, she got married to Marvin Rottenberg. They had 2 children, then moved to Middletown,. After she and Marvin divorced in the early 1970s, Marsha went back to school and moved to Walden, NY, where she lived the rest of her life. She met her current husband, Bob Miers Jr., in 1979.
Marsha attained her academic degrees at a time when it was rare for non-teenagers (especially single mothers) to be attending college. After years of hard work, which included financial difficulties, 90-minute commutes, and evening classes, she attained an A.A. in Art from Orange County Community College, a B.A. in Speech and Hearing Handicapped Education from the State University of New York at New Paltz, and an M.A. in Speech Pathology (graduating Summa Cum Laude) from Montclair State College.
Marsha thrived in her profession and became a beloved teacher who helped countless children overcome their speech-related issues; however, her health issues worsened until she needed to leave her dream job (Speech-Language Pathologist in Pine Bush Schools) years earlier than planned. Previously, she had worked as a Speech-Language Therapist for Orange-Ulster BOCES (in Chester, Greenwood Lake, Marlboro, and Valley Central) and Crystal Run School in Middletown, NY. Marsha loved working with students of all ages and abilities. She frequently created her own teaching games and materials, customizing them to specific student needs. Her daughter used to call her “The Paper Clip Lady” because of her special talent for keeping children interested and amused without using anything more complicated than, say, a paper clip!
Marsha remained a creative person and a lifelong learner throughout her life. She would crochet, paint, draw, embroider, make mobiles, hook rugs, knit, sew, and make jewelry (both for humans and dolls). Marsha loved photography and repairing old photos with her computer. A past member of MENSA, Marsha was an avid reader (especially the classics), loved word puzzles and games, and enjoyed writing cards, stories, poems, and songs. She prided herself on her spelling and grammar skills. Marsha loved the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC, very old movies, Jeopardy!, Broadway musicals, classical music, and rock.
In her maturity, Marsha became more outspoken in political matters, especially those relating to animal welfare, the environment, and human overpopulation. She became a vegetarian because of her love and respect for all sentient animals.
Marsha is survived by beloved family: her steadfast husband, Bob Miers Jr.; children, Lori Rottenberg (married to Chuck Hanclich) of Arlington, VA, and Jason Rottenberg (married to Nancy Rickerd) of West Milford, NJ; grandchildren Margot Hanclich, Melanie Hanclich, Michael Rottenberg, and Sarah Rottenberg; niece, Robyn Aronson; and many treasured cousins, especially Rhoda Weiss and Debbie Zinn. She was predeceased by her parents; her brother, David Allen Aronson; and her niece, Lisa Aronson. Marsha is also survived by the remaining 2 of a long line of beloved rescue kitties: “Gigi” and “Leo” (aka Leonardo di Catmeow.)
Marsha’s body will be cremated through Millspaugh Funeral Home of Walden. There will be no services. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Humane Society of Walden; also, please consider eating less meat.
Arrangements were made by Millspaugh Funeral Directors.