Beth Marschak

Beth Marschak (Romayne Elizabeth) was born in Union City, PA on January 10, 1951, and died in Richmond, VA on June 3, 2026. She is survived by her sisters Cheryl Marschak and Darlene Marschak, nephews Robin Marschak and Charlie Gilmer, and brothers in law Dale Gilmer and Bill Mowry.

A lifelong voracious reader, Beth enjoyed all types of books. She loved cinema, particularly sci-fi and fantasy. Beth went to all types of conventions and events: comicon, flower shows, science fiction and political. A world traveler and adventurer, Beth climbed multiple volcanoes and went white water rafting. Her love of cuisine was adventurous as well, and Beth supported both fringe and established theater, music, fine art and fine crafts. Her only addiction was to Coca Cola.

Beth was a State delegate for Jessie Jackson at the Democratic National Convention in 1984. Her political activism and protesting resulted in some proud time in jail, as well as being investigated by the FBI. Neither dissuaded her. For more on her advocacy career, please explore the many links below of various organizations’ praise for her political and social activism and accomplishments along with articles about Beth from her lifetime.

Beth was honored with the Richmond Human Rights Coalition Human Rights Award in 1983 and the Richmond YWCA Outstanding Woman of the Year Award in Human Relations in 1990. Beth was also recognized in her lifetime by the Virginia Museum of History and Culture for her LGBTQ+ efforts. She is one of only 71 individuals from all of Virginia History to be featured on their lobby wall as the most influential Virginians. A co-founder of Earth Day Richmond, Richmond Lesbian Feminists, and helped organize a roundtable on racism and racial bias in the LGBTQ+ community. Beth served on the boards of various organizations including Diversity Richmond, YWCA, and the Elegba Folklore Society. Considered an expert, Beth was frequently invited to speak and to participate on panels and as a keynote speaker. Interviewed frequently over many decades, it is easy to find her opinions and passions in published articles.

History fascinated Beth, and she researched and designed several tours for the Valentine Museum, as well as working at the John Marshall House. Beth co-authored the book Lesbian and Gay Richmond for the national “Images of America” series of books featuring in-depth explorations of prominent cities.

After decades of supporting the reduction of STIs in the community, Beth worked the final two decades of her life at the Virginia Department of Health overseeing statewide grants for HIV reduction. Nationally, she served on the National Women's Political Caucus for 16 years, was appointed by President Carter to the International Women's Year Continuing Committee and was the first "out" Virginia delegate to a national presidential convention in 1988. She continued to do the important work both inside and outside of her professional career until the day she died.

Donations in Beth Marschak’s Honor should be made to either:

Diversity Richmond, check the box “in memory” on the second screen - https://diversityrichmond.harnessgiving.org/donate/?campaign_id=15968&selected-method=monthly&amount=25

Elegba Folklore Society, donors can say For Beth on the portal/platform - https://elegba-folklore-society-inc.square.site/product/please-donate/12?cp=true&sa=true&sbp=false&q=false

Organization Tributes

Virginia House of Delegates - https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20262/HR2175/text/HR2175ER

Richmond Times Dispatch Obituary - https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/timesdispatch/name/romayne-marschak-obituary?id=61984071

Mayor of Richmond - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1bPvPRNX6W/

Diversity Richmond - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1JDTnU1jXb/

Richmond Lesbian Feminists - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1EWwGxPtUC/

WRIC ABC 8 news - https://www.wric.com/news/local-news/richmond/romayne-beth-marschak-obituary-june-3/?fbclid=IwY2xjawSZNoZleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFEY2RlMG1UUUxMZ1pibmt4c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHkdBcEO-0VJe-b0t0ujrMNLu7ODkCU3PryP-8uL0fqNcr4GchM7y_FtTPyGb_aem_ZmFrZWR1bW15MTZieXRlcw

Richmonder - https://www.richmonder.org/momma-beth-marschak-is-remembered-as-one-of-richmonds-original-activists/

The Valentine - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CUu1hjhDy/

Library of Virginia - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1HMezG2Pbp/

Equality Virginia - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1JGVyxYRTQ/

Babes of Richmond - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1D75pNGTkW/

Disease Prevention Hotline - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CNHpVTpZB/

Articles and Interviews

RVA Magazine 2025 article - https://rvamag.com/queer-rva/beth-marschak-and-the-legacy-of-richmond-lesbian-feminists.html?fbclid=IwY2xjawSZOadleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEe7aKS73aGMK-2uHa6xoJhe6BvBQNf5EwUelg83vRjb1Kmz4iWKN1curZLHFQ_aem_h8dWl6fNyfayfDc9s6h4mw

Interview on lesbian herstory in Richmond from the ‘70’s forward - https://slfaherstoryproject.org/beth-marschak-lesbian-activist-for-civil-rights-and-human-rights/?fbclid=IwY2xjawSZOtNleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeK9AqQuPjnpLN61vQWON03o23VVbE_c87cQXzH5gZAl0q9u7fFujuY-drGJY_aem_ipC7OEqvfVeqVoRKTk23rA

LGBTQRichmond CLOSET interview - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dWUGcLnHpQY