Marcia Ann Carman

Marcia Ann Carman (nee Fortin) of Alexandria, Virginia, passed peacefully in the early morning hours of August 20, 2020.  For 51 years she was the beloved wife of John M. Carman who was both a devoted husband and caregiver.

Marcia was born on July 26, 1946, in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, the first born child of William and Nina (Loparto) Fortin.  She attended parochial and public schools in Pawtucket.  She received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Rhode Island in 1968.  While a student, she was an active member of Sigma Kappa Sorority, and she maintained many lasting friendships with her sisters throughout her lifetime.  She received a Master of Education degree from George Mason University.  She was employed by Fairfax County Public Schools for twenty-six years as a guidance counselor retiring in 2011 from Hayfield High School.

Music was an important part of Marcia’s life.  In addition to playing several instruments, she was a talented singer and longtime member of the Contemporary Ensemble at Blessed Sacrament Church in Alexandria.  She was also a member of the Encore Chorale – the nation’s largest choral organization for adults over the age of 55. Marcia was a lover of the ocean and spent sunny days sitting on Narragansett Town Beach with a required afternoon nap on the beach blanket.  She also loved a good game of Scrabble and would never tolerate a made up word but would assist you with your last tiles to help you get extra points at the end of a game.   

In addition to her husband, Marcia is survived by her three devoted children:  Melissa Ann Carman and Jessica Elizabeth Carman both of Arlington, Virginia, and William “Robbie” Carman and his wife Catherine (Rotolo) of Herndon, Virginia.  She loved spending time with her three beautiful grandchildren who also survived her:  Lilian and Jackson Carman of Herndon, Virginia and Tatum Oliver of Arlington, Virginia.  She was the sister of the late Nina Elizabeth “Beth” Fortin.

In lieu of flowers, her family would be honored if you would send donations to either Susan G. Komen Foundation, American Lung Association or World Central Kitchen.

The Carman family welcomes all who knew and loved Marcia to post pictures, stories, or memories on her tribute wall.

Important COVID-19 Awareness Note:  The family wishes to keep everyone safe during COVID-19 and will adhere to local guidelines.  Masks are required at all times for the Visitation and Service and both venues have established rules and strict capacity maximums which will be followed.  The Visitation will only allow for 25 visitors at one time and the Service a maximum of 100 guests.  We respectfully ask that you monitor your health and stay home if you have symptoms of COVID-19 or have been in close contact with someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19.

The service for Marcia at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church will be streamed live via Zoom at 11 AM.  Please access via this link:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81111907907?pwd=cE9veG9GaHZmOTh3bWs4RGw3S2E1UT09 

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