In Honor of Marsha Cole
“We are fighting for ourselves—and whether the young people know it or not, we are fighting so that when they get to be 65 they don’t have to be on a three or four or five year waiting list for affordable housing. We’re tired. And if you ask other seniors they will all tell you that they are tired, but they can’t stop.”
-Marsha Cole
It is with great sadness that we share the heavy news that JASC Leader and Board Member Marsha Cole passed away last week.
Marsha was an inspiring leader and fighter for justice. She became involved in Jane Addams Senior Caucus/Jane Addams Seniors In Action by joining JASIA to elect Maria Hadden to Alderman in the 49th ward. Since that moment she has been a force within the organization, serving on both boards and on the housing committee. Marsha was instrumental in passing the Senior Safety Ordinance and an active leader on the campaign for a national Homes Guarantee.
Marsha was fearless. During an action that JASC leaders planned on the American Medical Association, Marsha famously grabbed the microphone (see photo above). She took the mic from the speaker who was leading a session for thousands of doctors and began telling the story of how high medical bills had impacted her and her family and why we need Medicare For All. Marsha was never afraid to speak the truth and had a clear vision of seniors aging with dignity. She regularly told everyone that she would be fighting until her dying days, which she did.
In addition to her organizing and leadership, Marsha was a talented artist. She proudly shared her art with others and inspired us all with her creative expression.
You can read more about Marsha in this piece in Jewish Currents as well as this memorial page set up by her family.
MEMORIAL SERVICES FOR MARSHA COLE:
JASC VIRTUAL MEMORIAL: JASC will be holding a virtual zoom memorial as a space to share stories, mourn and celebrate Marsha. We will gather on Zoom on Sunday, December 19th from 1pm to 3pm CT. We'll share more details and the link to join in the coming days.