Marsha Helen Segell Karchmer passed away peacefully on August 13, 2020 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Marsha was born on January 1, 1938 in Dallas, Texas, to Ann and Frank Segell. She graduated from The Hockaday School in Dallas, prior to attending the University of Oklahoma, where she pledged Alpha Epsilon Phi. After moving back to Dallas, she worked at Neiman Marcus’ headquarters before accepting a position at one of the nation’s largest law firms, Akin Gump. Marsha worked her way up the corporate ladder, eventually becoming the head of her department, an uncommon feat for a woman at that time. She went on to work for financial services firm Merrill Lynch. Then, in 1985, Marsha moved to Oklahoma City upon marrying her second husband, and the love of her life, Alfred Karchmer. She subsequently became the stepmother of Alfred’s son, Donald B. Karchmer. It was in her role as a devoted wife, mother and grandmother that she found her true calling.
Throughout the years, Marsha’s kindhearted and generous nature motivated her various philanthropic efforts. As a passionate volunteer of civic, educational, religious and cultural organizations, she received numerous recognitions for her community work and served on a number of boards. A faithful supporter of Jewish causes in Oklahoma, Marsha spent years working closely with Temple B’nai Israel of Oklahoma City and the Jewish Federation of Greater Oklahoma City, for which she served as a director on their Executive Committee and established the Marsha Karchmer Fund. She was also an Oklahoma City Jewish Foundation Trustee and one of the few endowed Lion of Judah members. Additionally, she was active in several social clubs, including Oklahoma Garden Clubs, Junior League of Oklahoma City, and, of course, her cherished mahjong groups.
A loving daughter, sister, aunt, wife, mother, and grandmother, Marsha was also a committed friend and an avid animal-lover. She will be remembered most of all for her warmth, compassion, good humor and abounding love for her family and friends. Marsha was preceded in death by her parents, Ann and Frank Segell. She is survived by her beloved husband of 35 years, Alfred Karchmer; step-son, Donald B. Karchmer (Hilary); grandchildren, Sam and Haley Karchmer; brother, A. Lee Segell (Janice); nephews, Jeff (Keli) and Scott Segell (Denise); as well as her great-nieces and -nephews, Taylor, Carly, Katherine, Alex, Zach, Hannah and Trace Segell. A private graveside service will take place at 2pm on Sunday, August 16, at Temple B'nai Israel Memorial Park in Oklahoma City. To join via livestream, please contact Hahn Cook Funeral Home at 405-848-3744 or HahnCookFuneral.com for the Zoom link. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Jewish Federation of Greater Oklahoma City, Temple B’nai Israel, or the Oklahoma Humane Society. The family wishes to express their deep gratitude to Sheryl Esser, as well as to Marsha’s devoted caregivers, Helen Petties and Winda Parker. They would also like to convey their appreciation to Epworth Villa Assisted Living and Laura Lynn’s Home Care for their kindness and dedication.
