Marcia Bessacini (Morris)

Marcia Bessacini, 69, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully at home on March 6, 2025, in Tarzana, CA, surrounded by the family she cherished so deeply. Born on June 20, 1955, in Birmingham, AL, Marcia lived a life filled with kindness, generosity, and unwavering devotion to those she loved.

Her greatest joy in life was her family. She shared a beautiful 36 years of marriage with her husband, Joe (plus the seven years of dating before he finally proposed, a fact she would lovingly tease him about). Marcia and Joe met while working at Warner Bros. in Burbank, CA, where Joe launched a full-fledged campaign to win her over—one that, luckily for him, eventually worked. That leap of faith turned into a love story spanning over four decades, filled with laughter, deep friendship, and the beautiful family they built together.

A devoted mother to Christina and Anne Marie, Marcia embraced motherhood with a deep sense of love and pride, always seeing parenting as a privilege rather than an obligation. She was always there to celebrate her daughters' successes, offer words of encouragement, or be a steady presence through life’s ups and downs. Her warmth, patience, and love shaped every part of their lives. Marcia welcomed her son-in-law, Liam, with open arms and was overjoyed to watch Christina and Liam marry in Hawaii, surrounded by their loved ones. In her last year of life, Marcia became a grandmother to our beautiful Maddie, a role that filled her heart with immeasurable joy. She treasured every moment with Maddie, holding her close, singing to her, and showering her with the same warmth and care that had always come so naturally to her.

Beyond her family, Marcia’s passion for helping others shaped her life’s work. She earned a Master's degree in Clinical Art Therapy from Loyola Marymount University, combining her creativity with her desire to support those in need. She went on to dedicate 32 years of her life to Children’s Bureau (now All For Kids), where she helped countless adoptive and foster families find stability, love, and support. Her colleagues remember her for her kindness and inspiring dedication to improving the lives of children.

Even in her four-year battle with cancer, Marcia met every challenge with grace, positivity, and resilience. She defied expectations, outliving her prognosis and filling those extra years with love, laughter, and unforgettable memories. In that time, she watched Christina marry Liam, traveled to places she had always dreamed of, welcomed her first grandchild, and embraced every moment with gratitude.

Marcia’s legacy is defined by the way she made others feel—valued, supported, and cared for. Her radiant love, warmth, and spirit will be deeply missed, but never forgotten. Rest peacefully, Marcia. Your love, your light, and your kindness will live on in all of us.

Marcia is survived by her husband, Joe; daughters, Christina and Anne Marie; son-in-law, Liam; granddaughter, Maddie; and brothers, Keith and Gregg. A service celebrating her life will be held on March 24, 2025, at 9:30 AM at Church of the Hills (aka White Church) located inside Forest Lawn Memorial Park — Hollywood Hills, CA, followed by interment in The Woodlands at Forest Lawn.