Teacher, Community Leader Susan Marsland Dies at 56

Susan Marsland, a respected teacher and beloved community leader, died of cancer Saturday. She was 56.

"Many of you know that my dear wife ... also known as Mama Bear, has been sick with cancer for some time," her husband, David, shared online just after midnight Sunday. "Sadly tonight she has passed on. Her love will live on in all our hearts."

The couple was married for almost 34 years, and David said his wife was surrounded by her sister, her parents, her four sons—John, Josh, Chris and Sean—and their wives and girlfriends. Marsland was looking forward to becoming a grandmother next year, her family said.

A teacher for Moreland School District, Marsland lived in west San Jose for 21 years. Before becoming a teacher, she was an administrator for the Marrkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University. She also worked for nearly a decade for the Electric Power Research Institute, a nonprofit dedicated to improving energy efficiency, reliability and safety. She held an undergraduate degree from Westminster Choir College and a Masters in Public Administration from San Jose State University.

Over the years, Marsland served on the San Jose Arts Commission, the San Jose Parks Foundation and helped shape the city's Envision San Jose 2040 General Plan, a blueprint for future growth. She volunteered on the boards of Contemporary Asian Theatre Scene, EHC LifeBuilders (which changed its name to HomeFirst) and several other community organizations.

More recently, Marsland was the lone woman in the race for San Jose's District 1 City Council seat. Her campaign focused on quality-of-life issues.

"I believe that we are missing the voice of women on the City Council," she told the Mercury News leading up to this past election. "I believe we need to have diversity of thought and experience on the council."

Marsland enjoyed playing guitar, making homemade jam and staying physically active. Since Sunday, hundreds of people who knew her took to Facebook with memories of her life.

"Susan was all about community service," her husband said, encouraging people, in lieu of flowers, to donate to Sacred Heart Community Service,  Second Harvest Food Bank or the Sempervirens Fund.

Correction: An earlier version of this story misstated Susan Marsland's age. San Jose Inside regrets the error. 

24 Comments

  1. I’m so, so sorry to hear this. Ms. Marsland was a gracious woman and a pleasure to work during her campaign for District 1.

  2. We new her through her son’s Josh and Jason . New she was a devoted and exceptional Mother to all her boys. Condolence’s to the whole family! She’ll truly be missed

  3. I am so sorry to hear this, Susan was one of my class mates in SJSU when I did my MPA, we did a project together and she always had this energy and eagerness to learn and she was always soft spoken person, very very intelligent women and I am sure she will be greatly missed :(

  4. I loved Susan so much! She was so inspiring and positive and she meant so much to so many. I am thankful that we we became friends and that I was able to see her during her last days. The world has lost a bright light but she will live on in each of us and in her children and future grandchildren! ♥️

  5. Amazing woman! I knew Susan from EPRI. I never knew she was sick. I wish I could have seen her before she past. We will miss you. RIP Susan!

  6. What an incredibly sad loss, Susan was a special person. I met and instantly connected with her at boot camp. She spoke endlessly how proud she was of her sons. My thoughts and prayers are with her loved ones doing this difficult time. Rest in Peace friend.

  7. My sister’s life encompassed so many factors. The main constants being her love, compassion and unselflessness. She was a true advocate, educator and had a unique community presence. Many called her friend. I was blessed to have known her as sister. She will be missed by multitudes which makes a statement as to how she lived her life. Please think as to how to make her life’s works unending. That would be your greatest tribute to her memory.
    Thank you
    Annie

  8. My sister was truly an inspiration to all who knew her: as a Mom raising 4 boys, as a wife of 34 years, as a friend, colleague, educator, a Christian, musician, artist, activist, ally, environmentalist, consumer,acquaintance. Whichever way you knew Susan, and for what duration, you were included into one or more of these many facets that characterized her passions for life. Please keep those passions alive by sharing your stories and photos on Susan’s Facebook.
    Thank you
    Annie

  9. I am so sorry to hear about Susan’s passing. She shared so much of herself with everyone she met. She was caring and loving, and always smiling. I will truly miss her and her gracious spirit. Rest in peace girlfriend.

  10. A great lady. We worked together over much of her time at EPRI, and also fellow West-San Jose dwellers. She was fun, she was positive, our customers loved her, our children loved her, she made a difference, and we all had a great time. We will all miss her.

  11. Susan was an extraordinary community leader, passionate about the environment, our neighborhoods, the arts, and social justice. Above all, she was a kind and good friend. David, our hearts go out to you.

  12. So sorry to hear about this. Susan was a wonderful person and a wonderful parent. She was such a positive force when I knew her as a fellow parent at Westmont High PTSA. Such a loss for all. My deepest sympathies to her family and friends.

  13. I remember Susan from her younger days in Falmouth, Massachusetts. She ran the music for the folk Masses at St. Anthony Church. What energy she has!! A friendly, positive person. God rest her soul. My prayers are with her family; especially her Mom and Dad who I know well.

  14. I just now heard about her passing. I knew her from my principal days at Rogers Middle School. After I sang in her choir she lovingly referred to me as Dr Tenore :)

    My thoughts go out to all of my former Moreland Community
    Dr Gary Stebbins
    Quilcene WA

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