Astena Talitha Marsh Obituary

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: Vicki Parr and her 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 and uncles: (paternal) Tarrington and Bill; Sherry and Tom (maternal) Teri, Dave, Louise, Lisa, Anita and Nicole; many cousins from across Canada, her nieces and nephews by Beth and 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 and Andrew “Ceasar” Myshak and uncle Ronald.

Donations to the Friends of the Moncton Hospital Foundation "New Complex Care Suite for Sick Kids" would be greatly appreciated.