Marsha Paige Enright

Marsha Paige Enright, 78, of Boise, died Sunday morning, July 28, 2024, after winning her battle with cancer but losing the fight with Interstitial lung disease. A Celebration of Life will take place on Thursday, August 22, at Crane Creek Country Club in the Boise Highlands, 500 W Curling Drive, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.  Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Summers Funeral Home.

Marsha was born in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, November 19, 1945, to Elizabeth Griffin Purvis from Red Oak, North Carolina, and Harvey Junius Purvis from Woodland, North Carolina.  She grew up with brothers Harvey “Keith” and Garry Griffin and sister Gail. When Marsha was in junior high, she went t0 a social gathering to Colerain Beach. At this event, she met Ronald Enright (from the nearby town of Colerain) who asked her to dance. They were to connect again—and dancing was always a favorite activity. Many summer nights were spent at the beach at Nags Head Casino where big name singers would perform, including the Big Bopper! Marsha attended Ahoskie High School, where she was active on Student Council, Glee Club, 4-H, Beta Club (academics & leadership) and Varsity Club. Marsha was a basketball player throughout school and a member of the varsity team for her sophomore, junior and senior years as a guard.  She graduated from Ahoskie High School in 1964 and was one of 8 seniors to receive the Beta Club scholarship. Marsha entered a 3-year nursing program at Chowan College in Murfreesboro, NC, which was partnered with Duke University. Her last year of training was at Duke, and she graduated in 1967. Marsha and Ron had maintained their relationship while Ron was at Colerain High School, at Chowan College, and had begun serving in the Air Force. While home on leave, Ron and Marsha married on Christmas Eve 1967. For their honeymoon, the newlyweds drove to Laughlin AFB in Del Rio, Texas. Marsha began her career as a nurse at the Base Hospital at Del Rio and while Ron served his tour in Thailand. Ron was assigned to Mountain Home Air Force Base to complete his four years of service. Meanwhile Marsha began her long nursing career with Saint Alphonsus Hospital (the “0ld” hospital located at 5th & Washington). Ron & Marsha then moved to Salt Lake City where Ron attended the University of Utah. Ron and Marsha’s first daughter Joanna was born in Salt Lake City, November 1974.   The family moved to Columbia, South Carolina, where Ron began his career as a recreational therapist, employed by the South Carolina State Hospital.  Marsha worked at Columbia Baptist Hospital.  Second daughter Jennifer Lynn was born in 1977.   In 1978, career opportunities for both Ron and Marsha and the love of many outdoor activities (particularly duck hunting for Ron) prompted the family to move back to Idaho. Marsha returned to work as a nurse at Saint Alphonsus Hospital, which had moved to its current location in 1972. She served as House Supervisor, Head Nurse of 4W, and Director of Eye Institute and Outpatient Surgery—from 1978 until 2009—at which time she retired.  Marsha was affiliated with ASORN—the American Society of Ophthalmic Registered Nurses, and she served on several hospital projects and boards. Most particularly, Marsha was active in the Saint Alphonsus Haiti Board from its inception in 2003. Marsha served on several missions to Haiti. She was committed to helping the underserved and those in need.  She assisted a number of Haitians to come to the U.S. for health care at Saint Al’s. Marsha took many of these patients to her home to provide continuing care and rehabilitation. Ron and Marsha served Project Haiti for 25 years, and fellow board members were dear to them. A special event that Ron & Marsha created was the Dessert Auction for the Haiti dinners—a spectacular fundraiser for over 25 years. Ron & Marsha were also chairs/directors for the Capital Classic—and served several years with their grandchildren in the race.

Traveling back to North Carolina was special to Ron & Marsha. They both had close high school friends, and attended nearly all class reunions.  They shared a love of “The Beach”—and all that it entailed—the walks, shells, special restaurants and foods, old friends.  Ron & Marsha spent quality time with their grandchildren—often making special trips with them or to visit them. Always, there was an educational element to the big trip (Scotland, Basque Country, Yellowstone) or to a closer excursion, camping trip or fishing weekend at Warm Lake. With two of their grandchildren—Ethan & Sophia—living in the UK, Ron & Marsha made trips to see them outside London or to meet them in other countries.  Ron & Marsha watched: soccer, volleyball, basketball, tennis and baseball games; cross country and swim meets; choir, orchestra and band concerts. They enjoyed seeing their grandchildren’s dance performances on the Basque Block. On Saturday, July 27—the day before she died—Grandma Marsha was at the San Inazio festival and watched grandchildren Josephine, Johnny and Jimmy (plus bonus granddaughter Alaia) dance in the street in front of her. Ron & Marsha adopted their son-in-law John’s extended families, and they were ALL-IN for celebrating Basque events—some of which provided dance opportunities.  Ron & Marsha loved to dance, and it was a pleasure to watch them because they had so much fun. They also pulled their grandchildren onto the dance floor.   Marsha & Ron enjoyed hosting, particularly at their home with amazing gardens. Often, guests enjoyed a BBQ dinner (meat from the grill) with elements of Southern cooking.  All holidays or dinners for “no special occasion” were celebrated well—with close friends from the St. Al’s families or with their extended “in-law” families in Boise.  Marsha loved antiques—and loved exploring shops to find them. She had a garage full of special items—something for her to use or display or to give as special gifts.

Marsha was pre-deceased by her husband Ron Enright, sister-in-law Jan Enright, brother Keith Purvis and Keith’s daughter Nan. Ron died after a courageous battle with cancer on February 7, 2024.  From being junior high friends and high school sweethearts, Ron & Marsha became the well-respected couple who celebrated 56 years of marriage.  Marsha is survived by daughters and sons-in-law Joanna & Angus Wayne Park (Harpenden, England) and Jenny & John Aldape (Boise); grandchildren Ethan & Sophia Park and Josephine, Johnny & Jimmy Aldape; sister Gail Buie (Tampa, FL) and her daughter Molly; brother & sister-in-law Garry & Sylvia Purvis (Morehead City, NC) and their daughters Kaysha & Jordan; sister-in-law Sarah of Washington, NC, and children Claire, Jean, Connor & Keith Jr.; brother-in-law & sister-in-law Kenneth & Dolores Enright (San Tan Valley, AZ) and their children Kris, Erika & Kelly.                             .

Memorial contributions would be welcomed by the Oinkari Basque Dancers (PO Box 1011, Boise, ID 83701) and Project Haiti (Saint Alphonsus Foundation, 1055 N Curtis Road, Boise, ID 83706).

Marsha & Ron never lost their Southern accents. They were a charming, friendly couple who contributed to their community.  Grandma Marsha & Papa Ron ~ See you at the Beach!