Marsha Valance

Marsha Jeanne Valance, 78, librarian, storyteller, and Morgan horse aficionado; passed away peacefully June 29, 2025, at Maple Ridge Health Services in Milwaukee. Born in Evanston, IL, Marsha graduated from Wilmette’s St. Joseph Elementary in 1960 and Regina Dominican High School in 1964. She attended Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism for two years, where she was a member of Alpha Gamma Delta sorority. She completed her bachelor’s degree in history from UCLA. She later earned her master's in library science (MLS) from the University of Rhode Island. Marsha began her professional career working at the Footnote Bookstore in Cedar Rapids, IA, in 1979. She went on to work as an editor at Brown Publishing in Dubuque, IA, then at the Dubuque Public Library, the Geneseo Public Library in Geneseo, IL; and the Grand Rapids Public Library in Grand Rapids, MN. Marsha loved attending annual American Library Association conferences. She retired as Director of the Milwaukee Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped in Milwaukee, WI (now the Wisconsin Talking Book and Braille Library). An avid reader, Marsha especially loved science fiction, fantasy and mystery novels. She attended science ffiction and fantasy conventions as a conference attendee and a panelist. She was a member of the Milwaukee-based Cloak and Clue Society book club for more than 20 years. Marsha was also a Morgan horse enthusiast, owner and breeder; and loved animals. She has many beloved dogs and cats over the course of her lifetime. She regularly wrote articles for Morgan horse magazines and was passionate about both horse and human genealogy. She loved folk music and her Catholic faith. Beloved mother of Marguerite “Meg” Jeanne Darlington (nee Valance); adoring and proud grandmother of John Carter Darlington. Loving sister of Deborah Lynne (William Douglas) Leonard of Houston, TX and Mark Douglas (Malinda) Leonard of Libertyville, IL. Aunt to Zachary Leonard, Justin Leonard, and Cameron Leonard; Jennifer Douglas, Emily Douglas, and Hannah Douglas; and Anjelina Moore. Cousin of many, to whom she was beloved. Dear friend of Maryellen Grey and Gale Burnick. Preceded in death by brother Thomas Michael “Mike” (the late Veronica) Moore and parents Jeanne Lois Leonard (nee Skinner and Moore) and Edward James Leonard, Jr. and biological father Thomas Michael Moore, Sr. The family has selected green cremation. Friends and family are gathering from 11-2pm (eulogies begin 11:30am) on Friday, August 22, in the Community Room at Outpost Natural Foods (Bay View), 2826 S. Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to: https://826national.org/. Arrangements by Inclusive Funeral Care, 773-318-1305 or www.InclusiveFuneralCare.com.

Marsha Valance

August 2, 1946 - June 29, 2025