Adopt an African Rhino: WWF Donation Page
https://gifts.worldwildlife.org/gift-center/gifts/species-adoptions/african-rhino
Marcia Claire Tallent-Bennis (aka Marcia Goodman, Marcia Tallent, Marcia Bennis) was born in Berkeley, California, on July 30, 1948. Marcia, the daughter of Claude and Melba Tallent, was the youngest of three children: David (oldest), Susan (middle), and Marcia (youngest). The family moved from Berkeley to San Jose, California, early on, where Marcia met her best friend and life sister, Pam. Their friendship spans 65 years and counting.
Following high school, Marcia worked as a research assistant on a Norwegian farm while married to Dale Goodman. After returning to California, Marcia embarked on her next journey - providing comfort and care to airline passengers as a Hughes Air West flight team member.
Marcia met Tom Bennis at Hughes Air West, and when she was 27, they married. Their 50-year marriage included four moves, three states, nine dogs, and one cat. Together, they welcomed one daughter in April 1980, Meghan, and collaboratively raised Tom's son from a prior relationship, Christopher Livasy.
An adventurous and curious spirit, Marcia's professional experiences included working as an overseas operator, flight attendant, bakery assistant, housekeeper, and nanny to the families she loved. She rode across America on the back of a Honda 750 motorcycle, using the northern and southern roadways, and at 30, she began trail riding on her Honda 90 motorcycle. Her travels took her to Spain, Greece, Turkey, Singapore, and Hong Kong, to name a few.
As a mom, Marcia gained great joy from her daughter Meghan. Marcia often reminisced about the early days at Woods Academy, Deanne’s Dance Studio, early morning figure skating and ice hockey practices and games, and Meghan's musical performances. Additionally, Marcia was very proud of Meghan's career and accomplishments in public education.
Marcia also provided consistency and comfort to many as a familiar team member at the Cub Foods, Minnetonka bakery location for over 20 years. An innovator, Marcia found opportunities to increase customer satisfaction and improve processes and cared deeply about the quality of her work. Through her work and regular customers, she kept apprised of local Minnetonka news and found purpose in keeping up with former Minnetonka high school students and their families.
Marcia passed Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at her home in Minnetonka, MN, following a 20-year battle with metastatic breast cancer. As a Jehovah's Witness, Marcia's faith gave her peace with her final challenge.
We invite you to upload pictures and share your memories and stories about Marcia to celebrate her life and impact. There is no formal posthumous service, so we appreciate you holding space for her in your thoughts and words with us now. Additionally, instead of sending flowers, we invite you to donate to support the conservation and preservation of African rhinoceroses, an animal that Marcia collected and felt a strong connection to over the years.
https://protect.worldwildlife.org/page/52883/
LINKS
Make a Donation to Honor Someone: WWF
https://protect.worldwildlife.org/page/52883/-/1
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