Marsha Johnson Bancroft passed peacefully at home in Orange, Vt., on April 5, 2025, weeks after receiving an advanced cancer diagnosis. She had lived her life working to improve the world by spreading love and kindness to others.
Born in 1938 in West Palm Beach, Fla., Marsha spent her childhood in Florida and Glen Ridge, N.J. She graduated from Skidmore College in 1959 and married Alfred C. “Monk” Bancroft Jr. They raised their three children in Essex Fells, N.J.
After working as a horseback riding instructor, Marsha transitioned to Burrelle’s Press Clipping Service, becoming a vice president. She moved to Vermont in 1998, where she embarked on a third career at 62. She obtained her paralegal certificate and worked as an intake specialist at Disability Rights Vermont for 19 years.
Monk introduced Marsha to downhill skiing, which became a family activity. They joined the Montclair Ski Club, skiing at Mad River Glen in Vermont. Marsha’s passion for sports blossomed into becoming a champion athlete. She joined the Amazing Feet Running Club in her forties and quickly progressed from short races to marathons and triathlons, including the Boston Marathon, New York City Marathon and a Half Ironman Triathlon. In 1993 she became national triathlon champion in her age group at the USA Triathlon Olympic-Distance Championships. At 75 and 76, she earned age group second places in the USA Triathlon Sprint-Distance Competition. Beyond running and skiing, Marsha enjoyed kayaking, cycling, snowshoeing and hiking. She loved dogs and often could be found in the woods of central Vermont with her dog, Kuro.
After settling in Vermont, Marsha came out as lesbian. Having spent her life to that point worried that people would not accept her had given Marsha a deep empathy for those in marginalized segments of society. She dedicated much of her free time to volunteer work in support of others facing challenges, including establishing a support group for individuals with traumatic brain injuries and doing outreach work with women in prison. Marsha was an inspiration to everyone fortunate to know her. She was kind, caring and trustworthy, and she maintained an optimistic outlook throughout her life.
She is survived by her children, Betzy Bancroft of Orange, Vt; Cathy Betts, DVM and husband John of St. James City, Fla.; and Coe Bancroft and wife Tracy of Glastonbury, Conn.; along with grandchildren Dale, Missy and Brady Bancroft.
Marsha was predeceased by her ex-husband, Monk; her parents, Joseph Edward and Betty Dunbar Johnson; and her sister, Helen Johnson Kennedy. A memorial service will be held on June 13, 2025, 3 p.m., at the Unitarian Church of Montpelier, Vt. In memory of Marsha, contributions can be made to Disability Rights Vermont or a humane society location of your choice.
This article appears in May 14-20, 2025.