BEVERLY – Marcia (Moss) Parsons, 84, of Beverly, passed away peacefully on January 24, 2025 at Salem Hospital. She was born in Mattapoisett to the late William Henry and Marcia (Everson) Moss.

Marcia was raised and educated in Bridgewater before attending Mount Holyoke College for her undergraduate studies. She dedicated her life to the world of literature and education, going on to attend the University of California at Berkeley where she earned her Master's degree in Library Science.

After graduation, Marcia went to work as a librarian, reaching the pinnacle of her career as Head Librarian at the Fine Arts Library at the University of Texas at Austin, where she nurtured countless minds with her passion for reading, expertise in research, and her infectious enthusiasm for knowledge.

Embraced for her eccentricity and whimsy, Marcia also found joy in the finer things in life. She had a profound love of music, ballet, and the fine arts. She surrounded herself with artists, poets and intellectuals. Marcia also identified as a painter, eager to express her vibrant  imagination through color and creativity.

A risk-taker at heart, she embraced adventure, traveling to different countries in the Caribbean and across Europe; even exploring her father's birthplace in Wilmslow, England.  Marcia's travels didn't just take her abroad, she spent countless days at the beach with her family in Texas at South Padre Island and Port Aransas. An avid Boston sports fan, Marcia especially enjoyed cheering for the Red Sox, embodying the spirited passion that defined her character. Her eclectic tastes and adventurous spirit will be remembered by all who knew her.

Marcia is survived by her daughters, Jocelyn Lynch of Florida, Jillian Parsons of Rockport, Massachusetts, her brother John Moss and his wife, Ellen Boyce of Concord, Massachusetts, her six grandchildren, Carey, Kelsie, Karlie, Cameron, Will and Connie, and seven great-grandchildren.

ARRANGEMENTS: All services will be held privately. Assisting the family with the arrangements is O'Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 167 Maple St. (Rte. 62), DANVERS. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Mount Holyoke College at https://www.mtholyoke.edu/giving or the American Library Association at https://ec.ala.org/donate. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com.

American Library Association
225 N Michigan Ave, Suite 1300, Chicago IL 60601
Tel: 1-800-545-2433
Web: https://ec.ala.org/donate

Mount Holyoke College
PO Box 889, South Hadley MA 01075
Tel: 1-413-538-2000
Web: https://www.mtholyoke.edu/giving