April 15, 1956 – February 23rd, 2025
NEFAR is deeply saddened to relay the unexpected passing of Marcia Ruth Hodgson, Senior Writer and Editor, on February 23 at the age of 68. Marcia was being treated for pneumonia last week at a local hospital and tragically passed due to unforeseen complications.
Originally from New England, Marcia received degrees in Political Science and Journalism from George Washington University in 1978, and later earned a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from the University of Tampa in 2015. A longtime community news and sports reporter of over 30 years, Marcia Hodgson worked for daily and weekly newspapers in Massachusetts, Alaska, Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Florida. Locally, she worked as a reporter for The Beaches Leader, and the Managing Editor at the Resident Community News, before becoming NEFAR’s Communications Director in 2021, and NEFAR’s Senior Writer & Editor in 2024. “She was a dedicated professional and a tremendous asset to the NEFAR family. Her passion for storytelling and commitment to excellence left a lasting impact on our organization, and she will be deeply missed,” said NEFAR CEO, Glenn East.
In her spare time, Marcia loved to read, travel, and spend time with her loved ones. As a person, she was strongly dedicated to helping others in every way she could. “Marcia was someone who gave everything—her time, her energy, her expertise—to those around her. She had a heart for helping others, even when it meant putting herself second. That was just who she was,” said longtime colleague, Josh Garrett.
Marcia was married to her husband, Robert, for 38 years before his passing in 2022. She is survived by her two daughters, Celia and Hillary, in Jacksonville. We ask that you keep them and the rest of her family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
The funeral service will be held on March 20 at 1pm, at St. John’s Cathedral in downtown Jacksonville on 256 E Church St, Jacksonville. There will be an onsite reception to follow.
