Monica E. Marshall passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home on February 24, 2025, following a brief illness.

Monica was a faithful and longstanding member of St. Mark's Episcopal Church, Dorchester for over sixty years where she was a cherished member of her church family and Dorchester community. As a church member, she served in several lay leadership capacities and gave unstintingly of her time, talent, and treasure. Her journey on this earth was characterized by love, compassion and an unwavering faith in God.

During Monica's career as a licensed and seasoned Cosmetologist, a Consumer Relations Specialist, a Buyer and Marketer of Beauty Supplies and owner of a cosmetics store, Venus Cosmetics, she was tireless and fearless in her efforts to eliminate the indifference of the Cosmetic Industry toward the cosmetics needs of women of color within the African American community.

To that end, she played a pivotal role during the 1960's and 1970's in mobilizing her community at the grassroots level to successfully challenge the Cosmetic Industry to grant equal access to people of color. Her activism coupled with her dedication to her community have touched the lives of many within the Dorchester, Roxbury and Mattapan communities, and have earned her recognition from several civic/community organizations. She was a member of the Mattapan Board of Trade, the Dorchester Crime Watch Association, and a Volunteer with the Food Pantry of St.

Mary's Episcopal Church, just to name a few.

Monica was born in Barbados and pursued her post-secondary training and education in the USA. She attended LaNewton School of Beauty Culture from where she graduated with a Certificate of Cosmetology. She also pursued an associate degree by enrolling in the Division of Continuing Education at Boston State College.

Monica is preceded in death by her late husband, Luther; her parents, Eudora and Eric Marshall; her daughter-in-law, Sonya; her grandchildren, Derrick and Azzareya; her grandparents and several uncles, aunts and cousins.

She is survived by her three loving sons and two daughters-in law, Alville Atherley {Gloria) of Roslindale; Rodney Marshall {Maria) of Canton and Derrick Marshall of Dorchester; one sister, Dr. Jocelind Gant of Newton; one brother, Samuel Carter of Mattapan; Eight grandchildren, China, Embrya, Atty. Brianna Caldwell, Julian, Shanika, Corey, Sebastian and Khaleesie; Six great grandchildren; Tiffany, Aliah, Derrick, Dallas, Jojo, and Natalia. She also leaves an adopted daughter, Tara Herell, several cousins including: Gladine, Jeffrey, Etwin, Olga, Gertrude and nieces, nephews, and friends by whom she would sadly be missed.

Monica was an avid traveler who enjoyed spending time with the family, gardening and shopping. She leaves behind a legacy that has had a profound impact on all our lives.