Marcia Lynn Peterson
July 13, 1969 ~ March 5, 2016
Resided in:
Fremont, CA
Marcia Lynn Peterson, beloved daughter and sister, and cherished friend to many, passed away March 5, 2016 after a 10-month battle with breast cancer, with her loving family and friends at her side. Born on July 13, 1969 in Englewood, CO, Marcia learned to love the outdoors. Raised in Littleton, CO, Marcia took full advantage of the beautiful mountains to explore and experience them with her family.
She studied at University of Northern Colorado (UNC) and received a degree in Art History. To further her deep-rooted sense of beauty and adventure, Marcia traveled to England, Italy and Spain during a semester abroad.
After graduation she moved to Redlands, CA to take a receptionist position at a law firm, and later obtained a paralegal certificate. Marcia found what she loved to do in her professional life. She moved to Silicon Valley in early 2000 to pursue her new career as a corporate paralegal at various law firms, where she was always respected and admired.
For over 12 years, Marcia dedicated herself to a cause that was very near and dear to her. In 2003 she participated in her first Susan G. Komen 3 Day 60-mile walk for breast cancer in honor of her mother Gen. Year after year, she walked, raising money, cheering and encouraging others. In 2008 she helped found, and was Treasurer of, a small but mighty Bay Area breast cancer nonprofit called In Our Lifetime. Its main project is the Immediate Impact Breast Cancer Walk. Even during her treatment for breast cancer last year, Marcia participated in the walk, raising money to contribute to the cause to which she was so devoted.
Marcia had an amazing gift for friendship, created it instantly, shared it widely and lit up the world around her. She was a giver. She dedicated her full heart, time and energy to the things and people she cared about. Her smile was infectious. Her laugh will be missed.
Marcia was predeceased by her father, Richard Peterson. She is survived by her mother Gen Peterson of Idaho Falls, ID, and her brother Michael Peterson and sister-in-law Debbie Peterson of Stockton, CA.
In lieu of flowers, her family requests that donations in Marcia's memory be made to the organization she helped found, In Our Lifetime, P.O. Box 470981, San Francisco, CA 94147 or online: www.classy.org/marciasfund.
Please join us to share in the celebration of Marcia's life, Friday, March 18, 2016 at 11:30am at Faith Fellowship Foursquare Church, at 577 Manor Blvd., San Leandro, CA. 94579. A reception will follow.
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I was so very sad to hear of Marcia’s passing. Gen, please accept my deepest condolences.
~Trisha
The tide recedes but leaves behind bright seashells on the sand.
The sun goes down, but gentle warmth still lingers on the land.
The music stops, and yet it echoes on in sweet refrains”¦..
For every joy that passes, something beautiful remains.
I’m saddened to learn of Marcia’s passing. During the 2000’s, Marcia joined our corporate group as a paralegal at Skadden, Arps in Palo Alto, where she worked on some of the largest technology public offerings and acquisitions of that era.
I remember one meeting in particular in my office with other attorneys as we prepared for a pending acquisition. I asked them, “Who should we bring in for the corporate work; this one will be tough.”Âť
“Marcia,”Âť one responded. The others nodded in agreement.
“Why?”Âť I asked. “She’s new.”Âť
“Because you can count on her.”Âť
“She’ll get it right.”Âť
And they were right. Marcia did. She always did. The transaction involved many long nights. Marcia was always there the longest, and her commitment to the work and the team never faltered.
In M&A parlance, an acquisition is “accretive”Âť or “dilutive”Âť. To be accretive, the target company must increase earnings per share of the acquiring company on a present or future basis. By contrast, a dilutive acquisition would decrease earnings. Marcia was one of those rare persons who is always “accretive.”Âť
So I can see why others thought of here as a “giver”Âť: she always brought more than she took. In addition to the professional and personal commitments she made, I saw this in her relentless efforts to fight breast cancer. I like others quickly learned that failing to donate following her friendly solicitations was simply not an option. I respected that, and feel so frustrated by the irony that it was cancer that stole her at such a young age.
I wish her family my very best as they continue without this wonderful being. Marcia was loved by us and will be missed.
Gregory Smith
Dear Mike, Debbie and Gen,
I am so sorry for the sadness which has come to you with Marcia\’s passing. Please know that my prayers are with you and my heart goes out to each of you at this time of grief.
Dear Gen and Marcia’s extended family. So sorry to hear of Marcia’s passing. I enjoyed the time we spent together as college roommates and our trip overseas. She was such a bright ray of light and her laughter infectious. You’ll be missed. Thank you for making a difference, Marcia.
Much Love, Meredith