April 19, 2024
To Whom It May Concern
City of Fairfield:
I am wri�ng this leter of behalf of the Mary Marsh Family suppor�ng the effort to get a public street named in her honor. I have known and worked with Mrs. Marsh for over thirty years. Sadly, Mary passed away last year a�er a full life and service to her community. She contributed and accomplished much in her ninety years. From the beginning, we had an instant connec�on during our mee�ngs and became fast friends.
I first met Mary in the mid-nineteen nine�es as we both served on the Solano County Juvenile Jus�ce and Delinquency Commission. She supported troubled youths helping them make beter life decisions. She treated young people with dignity, respect, and compassion that all deserve even when mistakes are made.
She saw her interac�on with adolescents was an opportunity for a learning experience for them rather than a punishment. She was a leader on the Commission. She had enough energy for ten people. Whatever Mary set her mind to, we accomplished. Her love for at-risk youths and her devo�on to their success was an inspira�on to me.
Mary also worked for the Travis Unified School District (TUSD) for over twenty years. She was loved by staff and students alike. Mary was a role model, impac�ng all she encountered. Her efforts impacted students long a�er gradua�on. In fact, she created the Marsh Family Scholarship in partnership with the TUSD and the Assist-a Grad-Founda�on to provide a scholarship for deserving youth. That scholarship con�nues today. Her legacy has been carried on by her sons, Reggie and Rod Marsh.
Mary volunteered for countless city projects including cleaning up city parks and working the Tomato Fes�val.
She also con�nued to work on the Commitee to Protect Travis, a�er her husband re�red CMSGT Grady James Marsh, Jr. passed away in 2004. Mary also volunteered at Sullivan Middle School, where her son Reggie was principal.
Mary was involved in Fairfield Women-in-Ac�on organiza�on and served on the Solano County Grand Jury.
Her �reless commitment and devo�on to civic causes led to her being chosen as the Grand Marshall of Fairfield Fourth of July Parade in the early 2000s. I cannot think of anyone more deserving for this honor. If there was a commitee that could help Fairfield, Mary wanted to be part of it. She loved the community she lived in which was evident through her hundreds of hours of community service throughout the years.
At her funeral, Mary was eulogized by former Mayor Fala�, Superior Coury Judge Ramona Garret and me.
Both the City Council mee�ng and Solano County Board of Supervisors mee�ng were adjourned in her honor.
It is without reserva�on that I recommend a street be named a�er Mary Marsh in the near future. She deserves to be honored by the city she loved and supported for decades.
Sincerely,
Rick Vaccaro
Fairfield City Council