Marsha Lonsdale Gates, passed away peacefully on March 8, 2024, at the age of 80 with family by her side. Knowing Marsha was simply a gift. She was strong, yet gentle, funny, yet deeply caring, and just so easy to love!

Marsha lived and dedicated her entire life to the Abington community, attending and playing field hockey at Abington Friends School and growing up at Huntingdon Valley Country Club playing tennis and later golf, Questers, and Mahjong. Marsha spent exciting summers at Camp Wawenock in Maine with her life-long friend, Linda, served as a candy striper at Abington Memorial Hospital, and then attended Sullins College, a prestigious women's college in Bristol, VA.

Marsha married her high school sweetheart, Walter "Sel", on May 21, 1966, and settled down in Horsham where they raised their two sons. The family enjoyed special times with dear friends vacationing a few weeks in Stone Harbor, NJ each summer. Marsha worked at Pine Run Garden Center for over 10 years, gave her time as chair of the Junior Golf program and treasurer for the Ladies Golf program at Huntingdon Valley Country Club, and spent much of her time volunteering and giving to others.

Marsha dedicated her life to volunteering on the Abington Health Foundation Women's Board and Suburban and Evening Auxiliaries, serving over 35 years, and was recognized with honorary member status. Marsha served in many capacities including chair of the Festival of Trees, integral member of the Run/Walk and by-laws committees, and chair of the auxilian volunteer luncheon, but will be remembered most for her commitment to uphold the traditions of the June Fete Fair. Marsha served as fair chair in 2013 for the 100th anniversary, as well as long time pizza chair and grounds chair, using her leadership and organizational skills to coordinate many logistics for the set-up, operation, and clean-up of the fair. Both of her sons, daughters-in-law, and all of her grandchildren join her in volunteering at the fair each June, passing on a tradition of service across generations. She was a mentor and inspiration to many members along the way. Her work on the June Fete and the Board was not just something to do or something to fill her time - it was a lifestyle and a passion which she pursued with never-ending energy and utmost commitment.

Marsha was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and MaryBeall Lonsdale, and her husband Walter. She is survived by her loving brother Lonnie, sons Scott (Deb) and Doug (Lauren), five adoring grandchildren, Carter, Nate, Molly Ryan, Summerlin, and Tucker, and her niece, Katherine. She leaves behind a lifetime of deep friendships, which she held so very dear.

The family will be receiving visitors at Carmel Presbyterian Church, 100 Edge Hill Road, Glenside, PA 19038, on Friday, March 15, 2024 from 10:00-11:00am, with a Memorial Service to follow at 11:00am. The service will be available to view via livestreaming on the Carmel Presbyterian Church Glenside YouTube channel using this link: Carmel Presbyterian Church Glenside YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2KnjuJryWjVkrJIjIDvsRw

Family and Friends are welcome to gather at Huntingdon Valley Country Club following the service. A private interment will be held prior to the visitation and service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a gift in Marsha's memory to the Abington Health Foundation Women's Board which supports Jefferson Abington Hospital. Donations can be made with an "in memory of" tribute online at this link: https://giving.jefferson.edu/get-involved/womens-boards/ahf-womensboard/support-the-women-s-board-and-auxiliaries.html or by mailing a check payable to Abington Health Foundation Women's Board to:

AHF Women's Board – Marsha Gates Memorial

1200 Old York Road

Abington, PA 19001