I just learned, quite accidentally, of the passing of my friend, Marca Bristo. I was privileged to serve alongside Marca in the National Council on Disability. I learned so much from Marca! She was an untiring advocate for those with disabilities. A brilliant woman! I pray that you may rest in peace and that your husband, children and the rest of your family may find consolation. All my love and prayers, Marca! May you rest in peace!

Posted by: Lilly Rangel-Diaz - Miami, FL - friend
May 20, 2020

It takes special people to do special things. Special people know how to take a bad experience and turn it into something good not just for themselves but for others also. Thats exactly what Mrs Bristo did. We might not of had the Disability Act without her accident her persistence and her courage. We thank her for that. To Mrs Bristos husband and her children I offer my sincere condolences. May God continue to be with the family.

Posted by: Hyde - TX
Oct 21, 2019

I would like to express my deepest condolences to the family for the loss of your loved one, who will be remembered for her perseverance for non discrimination against disabled ones and also making history. May you find strength and comfort in God during this time of mourning.

Posted by: A friend
Oct 09, 2019

Marca/Marcia was my cousin. I hadn't seen her since we were 15 but we kept in touch sporadically. Some of the best times of my childhood were at the farm in Castleton. The city cousin with the country cousin. I'm so sorry your time here was short. You will be missed by so many...

Posted by: Jackie DeMasi Allard - St Joseph, MI
Oct 07, 2019

Marca was one of a kind. She was the bravest woman I knew. She tooled around downtown Chicago in her wheelchair like it was nothing. She was never afraid to be hit by cars as far as I could tell - she just went around and did her business. It was a gift to know Marca. I am very proud to call her my friend. I think about her every day and all the accomplishments she gave to the world.

Posted by: Roberta Cleary - Oak Brook, IL - friend
Oct 01, 2019

My deepest condolences to the Bristo family, so sorry for your loss. The word work of Marca will not be forgotten, so many owe her so much.

Posted by: A friend
Sep 20, 2019

Our condolences and heartfelt prayers go out to the family. We know that you all are so very proud of Marcas great accomplishments!. She certainly left a wonderful legacy touching the lives of so many!

❤

DT, Jackson Mississippi

Posted by: A friend
Sep 13, 2019

My deepest sympathies are extended to the Bristo family. Marca will always be an inspiration for those with and without disabilities. She made remarkable strides to better the lives of disabled Americans. I am truly saddened for your loss. May the God of all comfort be with you all.

Posted by: SA - MD
Sep 13, 2019

Posted by: A friend
Sep 12, 2019

Since we were babies, I will always miss you and love you a bunch. Rest in Peace.

Posted by: Diane Moore Jones - Saratoga Springs, NY
Sep 12, 2019

God Bless you Marca--the best cousin and friend one could have. Growing up, we just about lived together. You left me with happy, delightful memories of childhood and teen-years. Rest In Peace! Love you forever.

Posted by: Diane Moore Jones - Saratoga Springs, NY
Sep 12, 2019

Marca was an amazing advocate and woman! Such a force that will be sorely missed.

Posted by: Donna Reiter Brandwein - Lincolnshire, IL
Sep 12, 2019

My thought & prayer go out to the family

Posted by: Joe Zuniga - Chicago - coworker
Sep 11, 2019

Deepest condolences to the Bristo Family, Thank Marco for your positive contribution to society. May the God of comfort and mercy bless your lives as you cope with your loss.

Posted by: BRY - CA
Sep 11, 2019

As the days and weeks pass ,and as you return to life's routine,may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Posted by: A friend
Sep 11, 2019

God Bless, and thank you for your efforts of making the world a better place for others!

Posted by: Bridgett Franklin - Los Angeles, CA
Sep 11, 2019

My deepest condolences to Marcas family, friends and colleagues and her staff at Access Livinf Chicago. Her advocacy work for our disability community across the country and world changed the way people people viewed persons with disabilities and challenged others to realize that we can all work together to make change for our world. She helped pave the way for many of us to have access to transportation, healthcare and a whole lot more. I recently her over the summer at the annual NCIL conference and really enjoyed our conversation and still can picture it and will not ever forget it. She will be greatly missed by everyone. Rest in Power, Marca.

Posted by: Elizabeth Pope - Auburn, CA
Sep 10, 2019

When I posted Chicago Sun-Times editor Tom MacNamee's remembrance of Marca on Facebook shortly after I learned of her passing, I said that "Marca Bristo was a hero, a wonder, a light unto the world!" I had the honor of knowing her a bit in the very early days of Access Living, when I was doing some volunteer work with the Rehabilition Institute of Chicago (now the Shirley Ryan Activity Lab). Marca always made ordinary people like me feel just a little guilty that we weren't accomplishing more when SHE was accomplishing so much! But that's NOT a complaint -- She motivated US to try harder! I genuinely regret that Marca didn't have another twenty years to shed her light unto the world, but I'm grateful she was among us as long as she was. Sincere condolences to her family and to all the people she worked with over the years. We WILL remember her!

Posted by: Mary Carroll - Chicago, IL - acquaintance
Sep 10, 2019

A great loss for such a wonderful person. Marca was truly an inspiration that made a tremendous positive difference for Americans with disabilities. She will be remembered for her courageous fight for so many. May we all learn from her loving example.

Posted by: - Eugene, OR
Sep 10, 2019

Thank you for fighting for all those that could not fight for themselves. RIP.

Posted by: Hope - Hammond
Sep 10, 2019

Marca really was a dynamo for her purpose and a legend for her cause ! She will certainly be remembered and missed. A word of comfort for her grieving family and relatives : If a woman dies can she live again ?... You will call and I will answer you. You will long for the work of your hands. Respectfully submitted with sincere condolences and sympathies.

Posted by: Gilbert S - Baltimore, MD
Sep 10, 2019

Condolences to the family of Marca Bristo
The initiatives of your dear Marca has not only greatly raised awareness and provided greater benefits to those who refuse to allow their disability to hold them back but has also benefited all of us.
We look to the day when no one will say I have a disability and I am sick.

Posted by: Lillie Lin - Brooklyn, NY
Sep 10, 2019

A truly inspiring human being, paving the way for so many for a more equitable living throughout her life, and for years and years to come.

Posted by: A Das
Sep 10, 2019

My deepest condolences to Marca Husband son and daughter and other relatives and friends. I am sorry for your loss me. Marca did a very fine job.

Posted by: A friend
Sep 10, 2019

My sincere condolences for your loss.

Posted by: Bobby - Fort Wayne, IN
Sep 10, 2019

Marca, we owe a huge thanks to your fight for A.D.A. Your efforts have made a difference for millions. We pray that God continues to strengthen and comfort the family during this difficult time.

Posted by: A friend
Sep 10, 2019

What a wonderful work she did. Condolences to the family. May the comfort God gives be with you.

Posted by: - IL
Sep 10, 2019

The world lost one of its brightest lights. Marca was a dear friend and confidant for 40 years. She was the most selfless, compassionate, and determined person I have ever known. She tirelessly, passionately, and selflessly dedicated her life, until her last days, to give voice to the voiceless and to improve the lives of marginalized communities. There is no one whose work, compassion, and integrity I respected more than Marca. I'll do my best to live up to the example she set for us all.

Posted by: Samuel Assefa - Seattle, WA
Sep 10, 2019

Praise the Lord for your advocacy for Americans with disabilities. Thank you. May you rest in peace.

Posted by: Ms G. - CAMBRIDGE, MD
Sep 10, 2019

Her voice spoke for millions who felt like they had no voice. She did not stop until she was heard. Thank you and may the God of tender mercies comfort Marca's family and friends.

Posted by: A friend
Sep 09, 2019

Marca's mission to improve the lives of others was courageous and truly amazing. What always struck me was her extraordinary joy, curiosity and enthusiasm for meaningful action that also demonstrated true grace. The world is dimmer without her light and leadership.

Posted by: Stephanie Matthews - Chicago, IL - acquaintance
Sep 09, 2019

So sorry for your loss. I remember when our daughters got together in grade school Marca was always so warm and friendly. Wishing you all the best during this sad time.

Posted by: Steve Goldberg - Chicago, IL - acquaintance
Sep 09, 2019

My deepest respect for an
Incredible person. Thank you, Marca.

Posted by: Jane Conroy - Chicago, IL - military
Sep 09, 2019

Marca was my cousin that meant so,much to our Bristo family. Her Dad Earl was my Mom Coras Brother. We had many fond memories prior to 1977 & that tragic day. She was & always will be an inspiration to all that knew her ..I love you forever ❤

Posted by: Dale Ennis - Castleton, NY - family
Sep 09, 2019

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Posted by: A friend
Sep 09, 2019

She was truly a Force of Nature while calm and deliberate...a real leader. She always spoke from the heart with honesty and justice. She was a friend and a mentor.

Posted by: Marsha and John Magala - CHICAGO, IL
Sep 09, 2019

Such a goal driven classmate that never took her eye off the prize. She always strove to be her best without stomping on others. After her accident she never stopped living; career, husband, children. May she now find time to rest. - Mary Alice Williams

Posted by: Mary Williams - VA - Classmate
Sep 09, 2019