Marsha Oudman
1970 - 2025
Marsha Lynn Oudman, passed away in Edmonton on Sunday, July 27, 2025 at the age of 55 years.
A private burial service will be held at the Taber Memorial Garden prior to the funeral service.
The Funeral Service will be held at the Evangelical Free Church, 5431 - 48 Avenue, Taber on Friday, August 1, 2025 at 11:00 A.M.
Those who are unable to attend and wish to view the service online may do so by clicking on the livestream link that will be available on this page at 10:45 A.M. on Friday, August 1, 2025. Barring any technical difficulties, the livestream will begin at 11:00 A.M.
Marsha is survived by her sisters Hetty (Ken) Ames, Patrice (Philippe) Maldiney, Janice (Hart) Lemmle and BJ (Karen Sytnick) Oudman, and her brothers Jack (Marion) Oudman, Andy (Willetta) Oudman, Wilbur (Sarah) Oudman, Greg Oudman and Rob (Leslee) Oudman; her thirty two nieces and nephews and thirty two great nieces and nephews.
On the evening of July 27, 2025, Marsha Lynn Oudman passed away peacefully in her sleep, and was reunited with her parents Homer and Betty Oudman in Heaven. She was special since the day she entered the world on April 19, 1970, the last of the ten children. Family was the most important thing to Marsha, and she will be lovingly remembered by her five brothers, four sisters and their families, as well as her very large extended family including aunts, uncles, cousins, room-mates, teammates, church members, friends and so many others who were part of her life.
Marsha had an endearing personality, and an infectious laugh that touched every single person she met along her life’s fifty five year journey. Marsha had an incredible memory for people’s names, rarely forgetting birthdays of her entire extended family circle.
Marsha was born with Down Syndrome, but that did not limit her ability to live a fulfilled life. She attended school all the way through grade twelve, thanks to the tenacity of her Mom to fight for her integrated education. She loved animals, and was often called the dog whisperer, stopping to pet and receive wet kisses from all the canines she met. She loved kids, especially babies, working with them patiently for over twenty years at Narnia Daycare as well as the Family Centre in Lethbridge. She was a very active participant in Special Olympics, excelling at swimming, winning medals and awards over many years in the pool. She loved hockey, and could never understand when someone did not know all the players she talked about by their name, team and position.
Marsha lived with family in Taber until she moved into her own home in Lethbridge when she was in her twenties. She had live-in supportive room mates, many who became part of her extended family. She and Charlene, her roommate for thirteen years, moved from the house to a condo in Lethbridge until Charlene retired in 2024. Due to declining health, Marsha moved to a supported living home in Edmonton to be closer to family.
Marsha loved adventure and experienced many trips and weekends away. When asked what her favourite memory of a particular activity was, she always replied “everything”, earning her the nickname of Switzerland. She travelled to attend almost every family wedding, never wanting to miss out on any special occasion celebrations.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Marsha’s name may be made directly to Special Olympics Alberta, Jerry Forbes Centre, 3, 12122 - 68 Street NW, Edmonton, Alberta T5B 1R1 www.specialolympics.ab.ca.