Deaf actress Marsha Vae Goeken passes away at 64
Deaf people from the theater community are mourning the loss of a deaf actress, Marsha Vae Goeken (64), better known as “Vae.” She was very involved with theater, such as the National Theater of the Deaf and Deaf West Theater. She did make a TV appearance in an episode in 1989 and she was part of several commercials.
[Full-Screen Images] Credit: DEAF WEST THEATRE
Vae is a member of St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in North Hollywood and they shared Vae’s obituary. They mentioned that Vae passed away peacefully on January 10th after facing a series of health challenges in the past few weeks. They said that Vae leaves behind her mother and many cousins in South Dakota.
Vae graduated from South Dakota School for the Deaf and went to Gallaudet University and graduated in *1982. After that, she continued to take opportunities with her acting career and lived in Hollywood.
Deaf actors such as Deanne Bray and Tyrone Giordano shared fond memories with Vae. Deaf West Theater posted a tribute to her and mentioned that Vae “understood the meaning of community and was devoted to all of us.” Many people who have experienced working with Vae or spent time with her mentioned that she had an unlimited passion for theater and was a joy to watch.
A memorial service will be held for her on February 11, 2023, from 2 pm to 3:30 pm at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church. There will be another one in South Dakota for her family members. May we remember her legacy through her work with the theater community.
*Correction: Goeken graduated from Gallaudet in 1982, not 1987
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https://www.yankton.net/obituaries/article_38eab46e-9224-11ed-873a-a7c0dd27cf2f.html
Gallaudet Info: https://liblists.wrlc.org/biographies/55424