Marcia Mae Bents went to be with the Lord on December 2, 2023, in Anacortes, WA, at the age of 93. She was born July 24, 1930, in Los Angeles, California, to Mary Anne (Eames) and Harry John March. As her maiden name was "March," she would often say, "Marcia may march. Marcia may trot. Marcia may walk." Family humor!

Growing up, Marcia spent time in the Chico area from where her family came. She was proud of the fact that she was a fourth-generation Californian. She also loved the beach house in Balboa and sailing.  Marcia attended Marlborough High School in Los Angeles and then received her BA in art at the University of Arizona in Tucson.

She met her husband, Bill, at the Old Sailors Ball at the Newport Harbor Yacht Club. They married in 1954 and had a family of Bettina, Wendy, Will, and Robert. In 1962 and 1964, they traveled, chartering a boat on the Mediterranean Sea and driving a Volkswagen van all through Europe. The family activities always involved the yacht club, sailing and boating, and taking weekend trips to Catalina Island, where Marcia enjoyed reading, swimming, and visiting with friends.

Marcia and Bill's first business was Newport Stationary. They then started a successful 30-year career in real estate. Marcia was often one of the tops in Coldwell Banker sales in the country, often winning awards!

Marcia loved politics and often helped many a candidate with their election runs including Goldwater, Nixon, Reagan, and Ford. She was also very proud of being foreman of the Orange County Grand Jury. She took over the legacy of her daughter Bettina who had died in 1983, launching the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum. She also enjoyed attending the St James Episcopal Church in Newport Beach.

As Marcia and Bill began to think of retirement, they bought a ranch property in Calistoga and planted Granny Smith apples. They began 20 years of cruising the Northwest up to Alaska on their 54-foot Bill Garden design, "Crystal Sea," and later on, "Vertigo." Mom always enjoyed playing cards on these long boat trips and often would beat everybody, making most wonder if she had a little cheating going on. But we never called her on it. Lol.

Marcia's greatest joy over the last years seemed to be visits from her family and friends; her daughter Wendy and grandchildren, as well as Sassy, her little Papillon dog. She had a great team to assist her (and Hospice the last few months). The family is so grateful for all these wonderful helpers, whether in the home at Wendy's or at the Lighthouse Memory Care, where she was well known and loved for her wit and humor.

Mom is survived by her daughter Wendy (Kirk) Patterson and their children Nikolas (Karen)& great grandson Corbin and Bettina (Robert) Sill & great granddaughters Rosalie and Asher. Her sons Will (Donna) and Robert (Caprice) and grandchildren Robert and Saylor Bents. Her brother Harry (Ellen) March and family in Arizona. She is predeceased by Bill, her beloved husband, and her daughter Bettina. A celebration of her life will take place in the near future at Wendy's home, please donate to a cause that you think Marcia would appreciate.

One of the things Marcia always said to all of her family when we went out the door was, "Remember who you are and what you represent." She always expressed a desire to enjoy what life had to offer and to be grateful to God. And if anybody asks how she is feeling, she will reply, "With my fingers."

To share memories of Marcia and to read her full obituary, please visit www.evanschapel.com/obituary/marcia-bents.