Erica S. Marsden

Erica Susan McNair Marsden, age 49, of Lake Elmo, MN, passed away unexpectedly on June 10, 2026, following a brief illness. She was loved by many, and will be missed by all who knew her.

Erica was born on October 24, 1976, in Fargo, ND, to David McNair and Jeannie Madson McNair. She was raised in Fargo with sisters, Dina and Andrea, alongside a large, extended family. Erica graduated from Fargo South High School in 1995, and attended Colorado College before meeting lifetime love and beloved husband of 25 years, Christopher Marsden. Together they moved to San Diego where Erica completed degrees in American Sign Language and Sociology.

In 2001, Erica and Chris were married in a beautiful ceremony in La Jolla, CA, and began their life together in San Diego, where they remained for several years, cultivating friendships that would last a lifetime. They relocated to Minneapolis in 2004, to be closer to family and friends.

Erica had many interests and passions, all of which were driven by her empathetic nature and heart-forward approach to life. She was an entrepreneur, collaborator and connector of people to her core. The impact she had on her community is far-reaching and will be felt for a very long time.

Erica lived her life full of creativity and passion. She found comfort in making art, and encouraging others to do so. You could often find her in her at-home art studio, partnering with Ziggy’s Art Bus to bring a mobile art experience to kids with serious illnesses, or gathering with other creative souls to support one another in their endeavors. She opened the stationery store Paper Rock Scissor, in Minneapolis. If you were lucky enough to have Erica address your wedding invitations, you know how beautiful her penmanship and writing skills were.

Erica did not shy away from the hard conversations. She embraced the growth and love that happens in those moments. Because of this, it came as no surprise when she felt called to become a certified death midwife, completing her certification in 2017. Her knowledge and peaceful presence brought comfort and reclaimed choice to many families during their loved ones’ final stages of life.

Most recently, Erica opened Sunshine Coffee Shop in Lake Elmo, MN. Here, she cultivated a sunny, happy space for connection in the community. Erica was known for her easy conversation, humor, and infectious laugh. She cherished the relationships formed with her business partners, staff and customers, many of whom she called friends.

Erica was a remarkable friend to many throughout her life, including to her women’s group which met regularly over the last dozen years.  She infused friends with heart and spirit, and brought her characteristic humor and diplomatic wisdom to every situation. Erica had the ability to make you feel seen and heard. Wherever Erica was, you could be sure to find the perfect lighting, art supplies, chocolate & laughter, and a safe place to land and stay for as long as needed.

Erica’s most important role, and the one that provided her with the most pride and joy, was that of mom to her beautiful and caring daughters, Lucy (19) and Lyla (16). Erica and Chris cultivated a special home for their family. Through their patient parenting style, Erica and Chris raised their girls to be authentic, and follow their own path in life. They will undoubtedly carry her light and laughter forward into this world.

Erica is survived by devoted husband, Christopher Marsden; daughters, Lucille Marsden and Lyla Marsden; father and stepmother, David and Janet McNair; sisters, Dina McNair Conzemius and Andrea (Shaun Beals) McNair; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Richard and Beth Marsden; stepsiblings, Jason (Yvette) Hunter, Kate (Rob) Gottsch, and Cecily Hunter; sister-in-law, Amy (Chad) Olson; brother-in-law, Chad (Jenny) Marsden; five nephews, six nieces, one great-nephew; and all who knew and loved her.

Predeceased by mother, Jeannie Madson; and grandparents, Harold and Dorothy Madson and Warner and Barbara McNair.

An open house celebrating Erica’s life will be held Sunday, August 9, 2026, from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Camrose Hill Flower Studio & Farm in Stillwater, MN, with a program honoring her at 3:00 p.m.

The family welcomes donations to the Minnesota Death Collaborative mndeathcollaborative.org, which funds end-of-life doula training, a space Erica felt called to and was trained in.

The family is deeply grateful to Inspired Journeys and SendOff—Funerals Reimagined.