10/5/2020
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Moncton, NB – Courageously and with enduring perseverance Astena TALITHA Marsh completed the race set before her at 11:42 am, on Monday, October 5th, 2020 in Room 2 of the Medical/Surgical ICU of the Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Center in Moncton, New Brunswick. In a strikingly similar manner to entering her life in the Grace Maternity in Halifax, surrounded by staff and spiritual care, receiving baptism in the operating room, Astena was cradled and accompanied through her death with spiritual care, anointing, prayers and songs of gratitude and protection.
Astena’s entire life was marked by the prevailing against all odds. Her specifically chosen name was created by her brother Demetrius while in utero, and the call to life in Mark 5:38-43. Surviving congenital heart block, an implanted pacemaker at 8 hours, heart transplant at the tender age of 3.5, organ rejection at 15, and complex ongoing and chronic conditions resulting from extended ECMO, each chapter of her arduous journey is marked by stories of miracles and uniquely forged friendships and relationships between family, friends and staff from across Canada. Her complicated medical conditions made it impossible to accomplish many tasks, especially travel to visit or even meet her geographically distanced aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews from the western provinces.
This century’s global pandemic did not rob her of her most motivating dream of graduating from high school. This proud Purple Knight achieved recognition on the Principal’s List, scholarship recipient from Moncton High School, and acceptance into the Educational Assistance Program at NBCC. The exemplary staff and courses offered confirmed her life’s mission to help others through the life experiences of multifaceted sufferings she had carried while still maintaining a posture of JOY.
Left to grieve are her parents Allan Stanley and Catherine Ann (Myshak) Marsh. Her immediate siblings: Portia, Demetrius, Keegan and Megali. Astena’s half sisters: Beth and Olive. Also, in mourning are the partners: Vicky Parr and children Brandy, Destiny and Austin; Josh Phillips, Olivia and Brandon.
Astena’s Godparents: Louise Myshak-Davis and Mark (Yoman) Augustine; Grandparents: (paternal) Barbara and Pat Marsh, Margie Luszcz, (maternal) Rosa Myshak; Astena’s aunts & uncles: (paternal) Tarrington & Bill; Sherry & Tom (maternal) Teri, Dave, Louise, Lisa, Anita & Nicole; many cousins from across Canada, her nieces and nephews by Beth & Cliff Yuen, with one lovingly expected!
Dear and close to Astena’s heart and journey Ryan Doiron and her faithful emotional support chihuahua, Chanelle.
Predeceased by both grandfathers: Ted Luszcz & Andrew “Ceasar” Myshak and uncle Ronald.
Due to the large number of lives Astena has touched, and the many diverse communities, we are offering the following rituals:
Everyone attending the visitation and funeral mass will be mandated to wear a mask.
Visitation will be held from Passage Funeral Chapel, 625 Mountain Road, Moncton, on Friday, October 9th, 2020 from 2 to 4 pm and from 7 to 9 pm only.
A private funeral mass for family and friends will be held.
Please note the funeral has restricted access confirmation attendance only BUT will be streamed through Passage website via Facebook www.facebook.com/PassageFH.
Interment in Saint-Charles-Borromée parish cemetery, Saint-Charles-de-Kent.
Donations to the Friends of the Moncton Hospital Foundation “New Complex Care Suite for Sick Kids” would be greatly appreciated.
The family invites you to sign an online book of condolences at: www.funerairepassagefuneral.ca.
Funeral arrangements under the professional care of
Passage Funeral Co-operative and Cremation Centre
3754, Route 134, Shediac Bridge, NB, E4R 1T3
Tel: (506) 532-1050
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Moncton NB..
PASSAGE Funeral Co-op Ltée./Ltd.
Death notice for the town of: Moncton, Province: Nouveau-Brunswick