Spending summers of their formative years in a cottage built in 1903 by their great grandfather, Leo Cloud, Marsha and her siblings developed a deep love for Omena.

While attending Edgecliff College, she met Tom. The two were married and welcomed two daughters, Jen and Cammie.

Her life in Cincinnati was a rich one, full with her work in publishing and retail, and being the most loving and loyal wife, mother, sister, daughter and aunt a person could be. Summers were spent in Omena, and sharing the magic of Leelanau’s woods, waters and farms was one of Marsha’s greatest joys. Marsha and Tom’s inevitable full time relocation to Omena commenced in 1996.

Driven by her love of place, she was deeply engaged with the community, its history and the preservation thereof. She and Tom purchased an old farm where she had played as a child, Cherry Basket Farm, which became a family enterprise and the home of Epicure Catering. Along with their family and friends, they worked diligently to restore the buildings and grounds, while taking on the arduous task of getting the property listed on the Historic Register, earning two Historic Barn Preservation Network Barn of the Year awards along the way.

While a tough cookie who fought for her convictions, Marsha also had a brilliant sense of humor and a sharp wit. She was a generous and thoughtful friend and mentor to many.

Of the many legacies she leaves behind, she would be most proud of securing federal certification for the Omena Historic District, and her work as the Museum Director of the Putnam-Clould Tower House, the literal home of her ancestors, which now houses the Omena Historical Society.

She was a member of Omena Woods Association, a 27 year Outreach Committee member and Docent Emerita with the Leelanau Conservancy, a member of Club 21, a commodore of the Omena Yacht Club, a Leelanau Township Planning Commissioner, a Leelanau Township Parks & Rec Committee member, a volunteer of the Leelanau Scenic Heritage Route, an initial member of the Omena Village Preservation Association, a Board Member of the Leelanau Historical Society, and a published author.

Marsha passed surrounded by loved ones. She is preceded in death by her parents, Naomi and James L. Centner and great aunt Rosie Centner. Marsha is survived by her husband of 56 years and partner in all things, Tom; her daughters Jen Buehler-Shabbir (Amar Shabbir) and Cammie Buehler (Tyler Blumenfeld); brother Jim (Karen) Centner, sister Amy (Tom) Behm, niece Emily Behm, nephew Matthew Behm; a host of cousins and inlaws. A celebration of life will take place in the summer of 2027. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in her honor to the Omena Historical Society or the Leelanau Conservancy.