Marsha Paquin (Dawson) nee: Rauch, aged 79, passed away peacefully at her home on the morning of Saturday, May 4, 2024, following a valiant battle with Parkinson’s disease that spanned several years. She leaves behind a legacy defined by her unwavering faith, her insatiable passion for literature, her love for exploring the world, and her appreciation for the arts.

Born Marsha Luise Rauch on March 25, 1945, in Connecticut to the embrace of Edmund and Alice Rauch (nee Eggers), Marsha spent her formative years in Whitehouse Station, NJ, alongside her brother Kenneth.

Throughout her life, Marsha remained a devoted scholar, earning her bachelor’s degree from Augustana College in Rock Island, IL, in 1967. Her thirst for knowledge led her to achieve a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from UW-Whitewater in 1991, followed by a Master’s Degree in Library Science from UW-Milwaukee in 2000.

At the heart of Marsha’s existence were her faith, her family, her books, and her dedication to education. A nurturing mother to five children, Marsha found joy in various roles aligned with her passions. She served as the Director of Childcare at St. Mary’s Lutheran Church, contributed as a substitute teacher within the Kenosha Unified School District, imparted knowledge as a collegiate educator at both Gateway Technical College and UW-Whitewater, and fostered a love for reading as a public librarian at the children’s department of the Kenosha Public Library – Northside. She culminated her career as a School Librarian, serving with devotion at both Durkee and Brass Elementary Schools.

Marsha is survived by her loving husband, Bill Paquin; her children, Peter (Julie) Dawson, Michael (Amy) Dawson, Scott (Rachel) Dawson, Alicia (Mike) Parmele, and Nathan (Mindy) Dawson. Her legacy continues through her 14 cherished grandchildren, Emma, Zachary, Lily, Alexander, Austin, Grace, Elise, Caroline, Rose, Meredith, Michael, Quinn, Charlie, and Samantha.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her first husband, Paul F. Dawson, and her daughter, Sunshine Joy.

Service Info

A celebration of Marsha's life will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, May 19, 2024, at First United Methodist Church, 919 60th St, Kenosha, WI.

Interment will take place privately at Woodlawn Cemetery in Plymouth, WI.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Kenosha Public Library Foundation, 7979 38^th Ave, Kenosha, WI 53142 or on-line at https://mykpl.info/foundation/ honoring Marsha’s enduring commitment to literacy and learning.