Marcia's Gift Does a Little More

Marcia Strean^* grew up in Brooklyn, New York, and received her master’s degree in social work from Boston University in 1954. When her two grown sons were still very young, she and her late husband Herb moved to Teaneck, New Jersey, to raise their family. Now retired, Marcia ran Marine Associates, a Coast Guard licensing company, for 20 years.

“I became involved with Compassion & Choices when I realized that family deaths were leaving me next in line, and I believe very strongly that I am in charge of my own life and death,” she says. “It brings so much comfort to help an organization that ensures your autonomy for end-of-life options.” That is why she supports Compassion & Choices through a charitable gift annuity (CGA). “I chose a CGA because of the opportunity to make a larger gift due to the tax benefits and income for life.”

An active advocate, Marcia’s efforts helped pass the Medical Aid in Dying for the Terminally Ill Act in New Jersey last year. “People are not willing to think about the future and that they will die,” she says. “I am conversant with this subject and want to share with others through Compassion & Choices.”

Marcia says the most important thing she has gained though her involvement is “the comfort of knowing I can get help to die if I need it. I hope my gift helps Compassion & Choices spread the word about the availability of this important choice.”

^*Marcia Strean passed away using MAID on May 26, 2022.