Marcia Clement

On February 3, 2015, just before the break of dawn, a beautiful soul faded from its earthly bonds and burst into heaven’s glory.  Marcia Ann Clement joined her husband, Marv, parents, James and Helen Herman, and other loved ones, thus beginning her eternal journey.  Marcia was born on May 1, 1939, the only child of James and Helen Herman of Everett, Washington. Everett was always near and dear to Marcia’s heart, and she forever considered it her home. After graduating from Everett High School, Marcia attended Washington State University and quickly became a steadfast Cougar fan.  She was a member of many clubs and organizations during her college career including the Cougar Rally Squad. One of her primary jobs as a Cougar Rally Squad member was to take Butch (the real cougar) out onto the field at halftime during the football games.  She earned a Bachelor of Arts in both English and Education and later a Masters in Guidance and Counseling.  In 1962, after graduation, Marcia married Marv Clement, also of Everett, WA.  Marcia and Marv landed in Richland and started their family with the birth of their oldest daughter, Cindy, then came daughter, Crystal, and son, Curt was born in Everett.  Shortly after, the family moved to Marin County, California for two years.  Job opportunities for Marv brought them to the Tri-Cities again.  Marcia was a devoted mother and was proud of each of her children and their accomplishments.

Marcia was a long time educator at Richland High School, teaching and guiding hundreds of teens toward better reading, writing and “being”. She was a warm, influential teacher who loved her profession and held her role as teacher in extremely high regard.  Many of her students referred to her as their favorite teacher.  Marcia spent countless hours grading papers and giving each student feedback and encouragement on their assignments.  The feedback on many of the graded papers was as thorough as the original paper by the student. In her later years as an educator, Marcia assumed the role of high school counselor. She truly loved teaching and counseling and took great pride in the opportunity to work with young adults.  A great listener who always focused on the students’ needs first, Marcia cared for her students as if they were her own children.  There was never a clock associated with her job; she was always accessible to her students.  Marcia was regarded with the highest esteem by students, their parents, and her peers.  

The Clement household was a '‘home away from home’' to all of her own children’s friends.  It was not uncommon for them to drop in just to see Marcia, not her children, especially as these '‘kids’' grew up and became adults.  Marcia '‘mothered’' kids in and out of school, providing a safe and welcoming haven for all.  That famous smile of hers was beaming whenever she had a houseful of youngsters coming and going.

Marcia loved to read, write, play the piano, and tole paint.  As a young child, she wrote chapter books and even a play that was performed as a full production by neighborhood children.  Throughout her adult life, she dreamed of publishing children’s books that she wrote.   Marcia also relished in the spirit of each season, and the joy and magical charm of each holiday was felt throughout her home, especially through her art of decorating.  Christmas was a sight to behold!  Her yearly Christmas letter sent to hundreds was like a mini novel. Marcia delighted in her home and caring neighbors and was especially thankful for the connection she had with her ever vigilant neighbor, “Gladys.”

 Marcia was preceded in death by her parents, James and Helen Herman and her husband of nearly 50 years, Marv Clement. She is survived by her three children, Cindy, Crystal and Curt, all of Richland. Marcia’s family would like to acknowledge  her high school and college friends who were life-long and integral in Marcia’s life. Those friendships were a life-line to Marcia that was valued beyond what words can express. We would also like to extend a grateful thank you to Charlotte and Sharon for their long term care, friendship, and commitment along with Marcia’s team of  “guardian angel like” caregivers in her final weeks.  The love, care and support will forever be remembered.  She leaves behind hundreds of friends and family forever grateful for her insightful stories, integrity, high morals, kindness, generosity, and sense of humor.  Her positive attitude, determination, and warmth touched too many to count.  

 A celebration of Marcia’s life will be held at the Richland Lutheran Church, 901 Van Giesen, Richland on Saturday, February 28^th at 1pm.  Graveside Service will follow at Sunset Gardens, 915 By Pass Highway, Richland, WA.  The family would like to extend a further invitation to join them at the Event Center, 915 By Pass Highway, Richland, WA to honor and share special memories of Marcia with each other.  

In lieu of flowers, please feel free to donate to WSU or the charity of your choice in honor of Marcia’s life.  And while she will be sorely missed, her laughter and stories will continue to live on in our hearts.  Marcia was often referred to as "one of a kind" and someone who never met a stranger.  "Do not cry because she has moved on from Planet Earth, but smile and celebrate that she was here!"  Cindy Clement  

"When we are gone, and people weep for us and grieve, let it be because we touched their lives with beauty and simplicity.  Let it not be said that life was good to us, but, rather, we were good to life."  Jacob P. Rudin