Marcia Ellen Noyes

PORTLAND – Marcia Ellen Noyes (Purveyor of Play-Escape Engineer-Outdoor Aficionado) gracefully concluded the final leg of her “Farewell Tour” on Feb. 23, 2025, at the Gosnell House, surrounded by a standing ovation of loved ones. Though her unwavering positivity and determination could not overcome her illness, Marcia now embarks on her next great adventure, a journey undoubtedly filled with beauty, laughter, and boundless horizons.

Born in 1954 to Lloyd Noyes and Virginia Bowers in Manchester, Conn., Marcia’s innate curiosity and adventurous spirit blossomed from an early age. Whether exploring solo or alongside family and friends, she cultivated a lifelong passion for travel, recreation, and nature. Her vibrant personality, quick wit, and warm heart left an indelible mark on all who knew her. Marcia’s candid honesty, unwavering acceptance, and one-of-a-kind sense of humor made her the kind of friend everyone wanted in their corner.

Marcia’s childhood unfolded across Montclair, N.J., Peoria, Ill., and Garfield Heights, Ohio, where she graduated high school. Summers spent in Ocean Park with her paternal grandparents laid the foundation for lifelong friendships and a deep-rooted connection to Maine. These sun-soaked days by the shore ignited her love for the ocean and set the stage for countless future adventures.

Marcia went on to attend Boston University, graduating in 1976 with a B.S. Education with Leisure Services. It was in Ocean Park where she met Eric Nicholson, whom she married in 1977 before making Portland their home, just one week before the infamous Blizzard of ’78. Together, they welcomed their daughter Kate and later, two cherished granddaughters, Gabriella and Adrianna.

A trailblazer in her field, Marcia was a pioneer for women in Maine and New England’s Parks and Recreation community. Beginning her career with the Portland Parks and Recreation Department at the Cummings Center, she found her passion in connecting communities through youth enrichment and recreational programming. In 1986, Marcia became the Community Services Director for the Town of Yarmouth, a position she held until her retirement in 2013. Her visionary leadership expanded Yarmouth’s public outdoor spaces, championed the preservation of the iconic “Herbie” elm tree, and brought the Summer Arts Series to life. She broke barriers as the second woman to serve as president of the New England Parks Association, the oldest association of its kind, and held numerous leadership roles in the Maine Recreation and Parks Association and the National Recreation and Parks Association.

In her well-earned retirement, Marcia returned to Portland, becoming a familiar face at Ocean Gateway, Merrill Auditorium, and Maine Celtics games through her work with Public Assembly Facilities. Ever the social butterfly, she thrived in the lively atmosphere, always making new friends along the way.

Travel was Marcia’s greatest passion, whether by plane, train, or automobile, she was always prepared for her next adventure. One of her most treasured traditions was traveling annually with her daughter and granddaughters, often opting for the turquoise waters of the Caribbean. These trips celebrated their family legacy of strong, independent women, a legacy that Marcia so proudly embodied.

Marcia’s light touched countless lives, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, hard work, and fierce independence.

She is survived by her daughter, Kate Nicholson of Westbrook; granddaughters Gabriella DiPietrantonio of Portland and Adrianna DiPietrantonio of Westbrook; brother, Steve Noyes of Tempe, Ariz. sister, Amy Greenlaw and family of Lee, N.H.; and a far-reaching circle of friends from every chapter of her life.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, June 1, 2 p.m. at Ocean Gateway in Portland, a fitting tribute to a woman whose life was an extraordinary journey, marked by love, laughter, and endless adventure.

A special thank you to Dr. Tchekmedyian, Dr. Reid and the exceptional oncology team at Maine Health.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to MaineHealth Cancer Care for exceptional, patient-centered care and to support palliative care. The family requests that gifts in memory of Marcia be mailed to:

MMC Philanthropy

22 Bramhall St.

Portland, ME 04102

or made online at:

fundraising.mmc.org/designated-giving with “MaineHealth Cancer Care” noted in the comments.