Doris Elaine Marsh

Doris Elaine Marsh Saginaw, Michigan Passed away Thursday, November 28, 2019, at Wellspring. Age 88 years. Doris was the daughter of the late Elizabeth (Bates) and William Marsh and was born September 14, 1931, in Saginaw, Michigan. She graduated from Saginaw High School, in 1949, and received her Bachelors of Arts degree in Art History from the University of Michigan, in 1953. She studied Classical Ballet with Betty Oliphant of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Doris was a teacher at South Elementary, Saginaw Public Schools and taught Ballet as a private teacher, developing her own studio which she continued after leaving the Saginaw Schools. Her students performed as the Saginaw Valley Dancers throughout the area. She eventually developed The Nutcracker Ballet which was performed for 20 years until 1999. Students also performed with the Saginaw Symphony Orchestra in the Berlios: LEnfance du Christ, Menotti: Amahl and the Night Visitors, Humperdinck: Hansel and Gretel and she choreographed original ballets for the Young Peoples concerts: Snow Queen, Tales from Arabian Nights and many more. Students also performed with the NBC Opera and the Midland Symphony Orchestra. Doris developed a Summer Dance Program at Delta College, a six-week program of daily classes, giving local students the opportunity to gain an insight into the professional training of a dancer. She taught ballet at Saginaw Valley State College and choreographed two years for the Fischer Opera Haus. Former students preformed with the Minnesota Dance Theater, Colorado Ballet, The Norwegian Opera Ballet, Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, and the Interlochen Academy. Many students continued her legacy as dance teachers. She belonged to the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing, London England, and served as a founding member and president of the Saginaw Valley Dance Association. Her hobbies included photography, gardening and nature study. Surviving are a nephew, William D. Wick and many friends. A sister, Hilda Marsh Wick predeceased her. Those wishing to make memorial gifts may do so to Major Chords for Minors, The Saginaw County Historical Society or the charity of their choice. Honoring Doris wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no memorial services. www.casefuneralhome.com

Funeral Home:
W. L. Case and Company Mackinaw Funeral Chapel
4480 Mackinaw Road
Saginaw, MI
US 48603