Marsha Masters Hall
May 7, 1952 – September 4, 2026
Marsha Masters Hall – the marvelous, mysterious, magical Ms. M, the wild redhead – completed her life on Friday, September 4, 2026. She lived loudly, loved fiercely, laughed often, and made this world considerably more interesting.
Born in Dodgeville, Wisconsin, on May 7, 1952, to Bob and Elsie Masters, Marsha loved growing up on the family farm, surrounded by animals, nature, and the rhythms of farm life. There she learned the values that stayed with her: hard work, independence, resourcefulness, and showing up for the people you love.
After graduating from Dodgeville High School, Marsha headed to UW–Madison in 1970, where she met Michael John Hall at that venerable institution of higher learning, The Pub on State Street. Their 50-plus-year partnership brought three children, five grandchildren, countless adventures, innumerable laughs, and a healthy disregard for the rules.
Marsha was a force – unapologetically herself and impossible to forget. She loved fiercely and cared for people exceptionally well. She showed up. She remembered. She fed you. She anticipated what you needed before you knew you needed it, and, when necessary, told you what she thought you needed to hear. She was an extraordinary mother and a devoted, unreservedly loving – and occasionally spicy – wife.
A career in occupational therapy, chosen partly because it offered an efficient route out of college, became meaningful work. She helped children thrive and supported families navigating the complexities of raising children with special needs at Wisconsin Central Center and the Madison Metropolitan School District.
Marsha loved gardening, collecting, collecting, collecting, (not a typo!), good food, stronger spirits, gambling, cooking, clipping recipes she might someday make, and butter. Lots and lots of butter. She and Michael especially loved driving the back roads of Wisconsin, discovering little towns and unexpected places, and wandering simply because there was nowhere else they needed to be.
She believed life was meant to be enjoyed: take the trip, make the call, eat the dessert. Do it now. As she frequently reminded everyone, “It’s later than you think.”
With her wicked sense of humor, mischievous spirit, and uncanny ability to make people laugh when they needed it most, Marsha left her mark wherever she went. And then there was that magnificent, unmistakable fiery red hair, which we will continue to find in unexpected places forever.
Marsha was preceded in death by her parents, Bob and Elsie Masters; her parents-in-law, Jack and Irma Hall; and her beloved pup Baxter, the only family member to have his portrait professionally painted.
She leaves behind her husband and partner in crime, Michael; her brothers, Mark (Robin) Masters and Mel (Jane) Masters; her daughter, Abby (Siddharth Ghodke); her sons, Jackson (Staci) and Tyson (Danielle); five glorious grandchildren – Kennedy, Madison, Michael, Savannah, and Ari; many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins; and one very sweet Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Henry.
She also leaves behind an enormous community of people who loved her. The outpouring of food, friendship, stories, laughter, tears, and practical kindness since her passing has been a powerful reminder of how many lives she touched, and how deeply she was loved.
To honor Marsha, look for someone who is struggling. Offer an encouraging word. Make the kind gesture. Bring the casserole.
And if you miss her, look up at the stars.
We will carry her with us in our stories, our laughter, our cooking, our adventures, our questionable behavior, and our determination to wring every possible bit of joy out of this one wild life. Just as she taught us.
“It’s later than you think.” So go. Live. Love your people. And eat the dessert.
In honor of the divine Ms. M’s rebellious nature – and in direct defiance of her explicit wishes – we will celebrate her life on Saturday, November 14, 2026, from 2:00–5:00 p.m. at Olbrich Botanical Gardens in Madison. Please dress comfortably in clothing that makes you feel good. Children of all ages are welcome.
Please help us remember Marsha by sharing a favorite story, memory, or photo at MMHmemorial@gmail.com or by mail:
Marsha Masters Hall Memorial
PO Box 220
Cross Plains, WI 53528
We look forward to hearing from you!