Marsha Jo Buck (née Zack), 82, passed away peacefully on March 10, 2026, in Melbourne, Florida. She was born on July 29, 1943, in Belleville, Illinois.

Marsha dedicated her life to caring for others through a long and meaningful career in healthcare. She worked for 23 years as a Surgical Technologist at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Belleville, Illinois. In her mid-40s, she returned to school to pursue her dream of becoming a registered nurse, demonstrating the determination and passion that defined her life. After earning her RN, she spent the final 20+ years of her career as an Organ Transplant Coordinator with Mid-America Transplant in St. Louis, Missouri, where she helped give the gift of life to countless individuals and families.

Marsha had a deep love for adventure and new experiences. Over the years she embraced life fully, skydiving, learning to sail, and exploring many passions. She was also dedicated to healing in many forms and became certified in reflexology. Above all else, Marsha had an enormous heart for animals and was known for caring for any creature that crossed her path.

Her greatest joy, however, was her family. She cherished her grandchildren and loved watching them grow into their own unique personalities. Her warmth, curiosity, and compassion left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Marshall and Edith Zack, and her brother, Ellis Zack.

Marsha is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Stephanie (née Wilkens)  and Johnnie Walker; her son and daughter-in-law, Todd and Mandy Wilkens; her grandchildren, Lindsey Leary, Liam Wilkens, Michael Wilkens, and Zach Wilkens; and her companion, Dennis Buck.

A celebration of Marsha's life will be held in July 2026 in Melbourne, Florida. Details will be shared at a later date.

Marsha often reminded those around her to "Have a great day—choose to make it so,"  It was more than a saying; it was the way she lived her life, choosing kindness, courage, and joy whenever she could. Those who loved her will carry that spirit forward.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in her memory to your local humane society or favorite animal rescue organization.