Marsha Wenig, a beloved wife, mother, and pioneer in the field of children’s yoga, passed away on Tuesday, August 8, 2023 at the age of 69.
Marsha was born in New York City, May 26, 1954, to Eric and Ruthie Loeb. She was raised in Ridgefield, New Jersey surrounded by friends and family. Her older sister Gladys was a source of constant companionship and guidance. After graduating from Rutgers University, Marsha moved to Los Angeles, and leveraged a love for music into a successful career as Tour Manager for the renowned vocal group, the Manhattan Transfer. She was also an educator who taught creative writing classes to children in South Central Los Angeles.
It was during this time that she met her husband, Don Wenig at a yoga class that he taught at White Lotus Yoga in Larchmont Village, CA. From there, they embarked on a beautiful life long journey together, exchanging vows in September 1988.
Their daughter Dakota was born in 1989, and the family packed their Dodge Caravan and moved back to Don’s hometown of Michigan City, IN. Soon after, in 1991, son Kiva joined the family. Her background in education, creative writing and love of yoga drove Marsha to her ultimate passion: making yoga accessible to children. She was a true pioneer and trailblazer in the field. She founded YogaKids International, a groundbreaking organization that introduced yoga and empowered living to children in a fun and engaging way. For over 30 years, Marsha passed on her innovative approach to yoga, mindfulness and healthy lifestyles to generations of children, educators, and yoga instructors around the world.
As a co-founder of Dancing Feet Yoga, she worked tirelessly to create a nurturing environment where children and adults alike could explore movement, express themselves, and develop a strong mind-body connection.
In 2011, at 57, Marsha was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s. Despite the difficulties she encountered, Marsha approached her journey with courage and grace. Her unwavering spirit and resilience inspired all who knew her.
Marsha Wenig’s legacy will forever live on in the countless lives she’s touched. Her dedication to children’s wellness, her pioneering spirit, and her unwavering love for her family will remain an inspiration to all. She will be deeply missed by her husband Don, her cherished children, Dakota (Robert) and Kiva (Sara), her sister Gladys, her grandson Arlo, as well as by her extended family, friends, and the global community of children’s yoga practitioners around the world.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to be made in Marsha’s memory to LORENZO’S HOUSE, which supports families persevering through younger-onset Alzheimer’s.
May Marsha June’s spirit continue to expand infinitely to embrace us all forever. May all be peaceful and at ease. May all find wisdom and be free from suffering. May all be happy.
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