News Summary
Marsha Cherington, a cherished educator and advocate from South Carolina, has passed away at 77. She dedicated her life to teaching and supporting students, leaving a lasting legacy. Marsha’s commitment to education, particularly for underrepresented students, will be remembered by many. Her family and friends are planning a celebration of her life while honoring her contributions to the community.
Beaufort, South Carolina – Marsha Cherington, a beloved educator and community advocate, passed away peacefully on May 13, 2025, at the age of 77. Her death marked the end of a lifetime dedicated to teaching and supporting those around her, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire.
Born on April 2, 1948, in St. Johnsbury, Vermont, Marsha Lynn Rossier was the second of five siblings raised in Sutton, Vermont. She received her early education at Lyndon Institute and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Johnson State College. In 1974, she married Reed Cherington and settled in Brownington Village, Vermont, where she raised two children, Stephen Cherington and Donna Conlon.
Throughout her life, Marsha made it a priority to teach her children about nature and mitigate childhood hurdles that she had faced. Her career in education began at Children’s Chance Preschool and the W.I.C program in Orleans County, Vermont. Recognizing the importance of further education, she pursued and earned a master’s degree in counseling from Lyndon State College in the late 1980s.
Marsha dedicated a significant portion of her career to serving as a guidance counselor at Hazen Union High School, where she also worked as a parent liaison within the CNSU school district. Known for her unwavering commitment to meet individual needs, she was particularly recognized for her advocacy for underrepresented students and had a reputation for avoiding strict adherence to rules that did not serve the best interests of her students.
She retired from her educational career in 2012, but her spirit of engagement continued. In retirement, Marsha immersed herself in art, reading, writing, gardening, and bonding with her grandchildren. In 2020, she relocated to Beaufort, South Carolina, to be closer to her family. During her time in South Carolina, she enjoyed daily walks in the marshlands, and she claimed not to miss the harsh snowy winters of her native Vermont.
Marsha was renowned for her exceptional communication skills, effortlessly flowing between conversations that were both light-hearted and deep. Her positivity and ability to see the best in people and situations made her a cherished individual among friends and family.
Marsha is survived by her son Stephen Cherington and wife Sarah, and their daughters Katherine and Alexandra; her daughter Donna Conlon and husband Andrew, and their son Calvin. She also leaves behind her former husband and friend Reed Cherington, and numerous friends, including Nancy and Carroll Sweeney. She was predeceased by her nephew Albert Cole of Irasburg, Vermont.
Marsha’s surviving siblings include Tony Rossier, Donna White and husband Earl, Sam Rossier and wife Maggie, and Susan Brill and husband Steve. A celebration of her life is planned for a later date, as family and friends remember the profound impact she had on their lives.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Marsha’s name may be made to the Palmetto Animal League in Okatie, South Carolina, reflecting her love for animals and community support.
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Additional Resources
- Wendy Reynolds Obituary
- Wikipedia: Education
- Ryan Miller Obituary
- Google Search: Marsha Cherington
- Susan Devine Obituary
- Google Scholar: Education Advocacy
- Beaufort News Article
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
- Charles Jeffcoat Obituary
- Google News: Beaufort South Carolina
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
