LELAND — Marcia M. Whiteside, age 78, passed away peacefully on June 23, 2025, in Leland, North Carolina. Born on July 6, 1946, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Marcia lived a life full of love, laughter, and dedication to those she held dear.
Marcia was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Charles and Melba (nee Pellegrino) Maguire, and her loving husband of 49 years, Thomas Whiteside. She is survived by her cherished sons, Todd Whiteside and his wife Dennie, and Tyler Whiteside and his wife Nicole. She will be deeply missed by her sister, Charlee Sternberger and her husband Steve, her treasured grandchildren, Kayley, Nolan, and Grady, as well as her devoted nieces and nephews.
A woman of steadfast faith, Marcia was a lifelong member of the Catholic Church, which guided her values and actions throughout her life. She was known for her great sense of humor, a trait that endeared her to many.
Marcia dedicated her professional life to nurturing and caring for others. She worked as a Physical Education teacher, inspiring many young minds with her enthusiasm and passion for health and wellness. Later, she became a recreational therapist at a nursing home, providing comfort and joy to elderly residents through her compassionate care.
Her love for the shore, both the beaches of New Jersey and North Carolina, was well-known, as she found peace and happiness by the ocean’s edge. Marcia was also an avid crafter, expressing her creativity through the numerous arts and crafts projects she lovingly undertook. Her passion for crafting led her to own a craft store, where she shared her skills and inspired others to discover their own artistic talents.
As a devoted baseball fan, Marcia found joy in the sport from the days her sons played as children. Her enthusiasm for the game remained a constant throughout her life, bonding her family with many lifelong family friends through shared moments of cheers and victories.
Private family services will be planned at a later date in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
The family requests that those who wish to honor Marcia’s memory do so by embracing kindness, laughter, and creativity in their own lives, just as she did every day, and to consider making a memorial contribution to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Marcia’s warmth, humor, and unwavering love will be remembered fondly by all whose lives she touched. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, devotion, and joyous memories that will continue to inspire and uplift her family and friends.
