Marsha Lucille Gazija Bolster

Marsha Gazija Bolster, a vibrant soul who transformed spaces and lives with her artistic vision and boundless joy, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family. She leaves behind a legacy as colorful and warm as the Hawaiian Islands she called home for much of her life.

Born in Bellingham, Washington, on May 7, 1952, Marsha's entrepreneurial spirit emerged early working her first real job at the Fairhaven Library while still in middle school. After graduating from Sehome High School in 1970, she began her professional journey by opening her ceramics shop in Fairhaven at just 19 years old. This early venture blossomed into an extraordinary career as an interior designer, where she left her distinctive mark on hotels and private homes across the globe. Her design philosophy, which married traditional elegance with comfortable luxury, reflected her own personality – sophisticated yet wonderfully down-to-earth.

Maui captured Marsha's heart, and she made her home in beloved Lahaina and later in the upcountry paradise of Kula, which she considered the most beautiful place on Earth. Her wanderlust took her across continents, where she gathered inspiration from the landscapes of Africa, Europe, and Asia. Her home was a testament to her passion for art collecting, filled with pieces that sparked joy and told stories of her adventures.

Marsha's greatest talent was perhaps her ability to maintain deep connections with her childhood friends while continuing to touch new lives wherever she went. Her laughter was infectious, and her presence brought light to every room she entered. An avid reader and lover of Hawaiian music, she embraced life's pleasures with enthusiasm.

She leaves behind a treasure trove of love in her family: her mother Margaret Gazija, sister Sandy and brother-in-law Ed Hoeffer, daughter Kerri and son-in-law Cole Glover, son Michael Bolster, and her beloved grandchildren Lucy, Bianca, Benjamin, Brooklynn, and Evelyn. They, along with her countless friends, will carry forward her legacy of joy, creativity, and the art of making every space – and every life – more beautiful.

Marsha's spirit will live on in the countless spaces she transformed, the relationships she nurtured, and the hearts she touched with her boundless love for life and beauty.

Please join us in celebrating her life at Squalicum Boathouse, 2600 N Harbor Loop Drive in Bellingham on Thursday, February 20th at 2:00pm. Brightly colored festive attire and cherished memories encouraged. 

Donations in Marsha’s memory may be made to Whatcom Hospice House.