Marcia Rose (Ashley) Gross, 76 of Williamstown, MA died Wednesday June 16, 2021 at her home. She lived for over 25 years with the pernicious Parkingson’s Disease. Marcia succumbed, however, to pancreatic cancer barely two months after diagnosis.

She was born in Middleboro, MA on July 12, 1944, a daughter of Ernest Alonzo and Jennie (Gagnon) Ashley. She grew up in Lakeville and attended elementary school there. She graduated from Apponequet Regional High School and went on to North Adams State College (NASC) graduating in 1966 with a BSE with honors. She also earned a Master’s Degree in Library Science at State University of New York (SUNY) Albany.

After graduating NASC Marcia began her teaching career as a second grade teacher in Lakeville, MA, After moving to the Berkshires she taught special education in Cheshire, MA as a long term substitute. Marcia served as a training teacher at NASC’s Mark Hopkins in North Adams for several years before resigning to attend to her growing family. She began her library career as a volunteer at Williamstown Public Library then located in the Botsford House. Under her mentor Anita Jenks she held various positions at the library: circulation, children's librarian, adult reference librarian and eventually assistant library director. Marcia played a key role in the automation of the library's collections during her fifteen years there. In 1989, she became the Director of the North Adams Public Library at a time when the library needed renovation and updating. She led the building committee through the transformation of an outdated library to a modern state of the art facility that received national recognition, one the city could be proud of.

She shared her knowledge and love of horses with others through the creation of the Equus 4-H Club and the Equus Therapeutic Riding Program for 30 years from 1982 until 2012. Marcia received advanced certification from the Cheff Center in Kalamazoo, MI to teach the handicapped horse back riding. She also received advanced certification with the North American Riding for Handicapped Association (NARHA). The Equus Program operated out of their family's farm, Oakhollow Farm on Henderson Rd. in Williamstown.

Marcia was recognized for her contributions to the community and received various awards, starting with the award as an outstanding 4-H Leader in 1982. She was recognized for the many contributions she made to the Milne Public Library such as teaching the staff and public how to use computers; and her work as children's librarian, reference librarian and developing a volunteer program. A tree was planted outside the window where she worked as recognition and thanks for her fifteen years of dedicated service. She received the MCLA Humanitarian Award for her work with the handicapped in the therapeutic riding program. The Williamstown Grange recognized her contributions to the community. In 1998, the Northern Berkshire Coalition named her a North Berkshire Hero for her innovative work at the North Adams Library. Marcia also helped lead the local

Parkinson’s support group after the deaths of the original founders.

She is survived by her husband of 53 years Lawrence H. Gross; a daughter Lynda Gross of Schenevis, NY; a son Christopher Gross, his fiance Megan Arant and their daughter Harleigh of Pittsfield, MA; her sister Cynthia Follis of Wareham, MA; her brother Francis and sister in law Margie Ashley of Lakeville, MA; her sister in law Maxine Gross Morin of Williamstown, MA; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her son Jamie Gross and brother Thomas.

Marcia and her family would like to give her Hospice team – Albert, Cristy, Cathy, Julie, Larry and Polly – a heartfelt thank you for the compassionate care that made her final days as comfortable as possible.

FUNERAL NOTICE: Calling hours for Marcia Gross will be Thursday June 24, 2021 from 5-7 PM at FLYNN & DAGNOLI-MONTAGNA HOME FOR FUNERALS WEST CHAPELS, 521 West Main St. North Adams, MA. Burial will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to the Friends of the Milne Public Library, to the Friends of the North Adams Public Library or to Hospice of Western and Central Berkshire County in care of the funeral home. To add to the Book of Memories, please visit www.flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com.