Marla MacNeur Stephenson

December 28, 1951 - September 18, 2018

Marla MacNeur Stephenson passed away Tuesday, September 18 at her home following a brief illness. She passed peacefully surrounded by her children and grandchildren. She was born in Oakland, CA and has called Benicia, CA her home for the past 5 years. Marla earned her Bachelors Degree from Long Beach State, her Masters in Education from St. Mary's College of California and her Administrative Credential from Chapman University. Marla was an educator -- she started as a Special Education Teacher in Fresno, CA 45 years ago and retired as a Superintendent of Schools in Estacada, OR in 2017. She spent the majority of her career in Albany, CA as Assistant Superintendent and finally Superintendent of schools. She was a true public servant and was driven by her guiding principal of “good for kids? not good for kids?" that she carried throughout her career. Marla believed in giving back - she was a member of the Albany and El Cerrito Rotary Clubs and worked to help people in need throughout the world. She was an avid reader and loved to cook and garden, especially fond of her roses. She had a vibrant and vivacious personality - loved to throw a good party and had an uncanny ability to make people feel and be their best. Marla truly lived life to the fullest - she was a world traveler, loved art and music and all cultures. She adored her grandchildren and rarely missed a practice or game. She is survived by her children Bo (Krystal) Stephenson and Sharon (Jose) Padilla; brothers Bob & Brett MacNeur; sister Gail Eckert and her grandchildren Joseph, Brody, Kaydence, Maxten & Jaxen. She was preceded by her brother Blayde MacNeur. Please contact her family at [email protected] for information regarding a Celebration of Life that will be held on October 20, 2018.