Tributes to Ipswich parkrun stalwart Marcia Hullis

However you knew Marcia Hullis, whether through the Ipswich Parkrun in Chantry, whether she supported you at school, or perhaps if you had simply got chatting in a café, you couldn’t fail to be struck by the positive way she viewed life.

Marcia was born in Norwich on March 23, 1946, the second of three children born to Kay and Leslie White. When she was two, the family moved to Felixstowe.

For the whole of her life, Marcia adored horses.

As soon as she was old enough to sit in a saddle, she was off riding, with her son, Matt, laughing that if Marcia could sleep at the stables, she probably would.

Marcia pictured at home, aged 10. (Image: Matt Hullis) Marcia Hullis, pictured at the family home in Looe Road, riding one of her beloved horses. (Image: Matt Hullis) Marcia Hullis riding bareback at the stables in Felixstowe, in 1958. (Image: Matt Hullis) Marcia at 15, on her horse, Huntsman, with her niece Terry. (Image: Matt Hullis)

In Felixstowe, Marcia would spend long afternoons out riding, jumping the groins down on the beach, and sitting astride as her steed waded into the sea for a cooking splash.

After leaving school, Marcia trained as a hairdresser.

In 1967, she married Colin Hullis, and they settled in Westbury Road in Ipswich. Marcia would remain in this home for the next five decades, until her death earlier this month.

In 1970, Matt arrived, followed by Jon in 1972. Matt remembered many happy times during their childhood, with Marcia passing on her great love of the outdoors to her boys, with long weekends spent fishing, riding and walking. Marcia remained active for all of her life, setting herself a target of walking 1,000 miles each year.

Marcia was also a great dog lover, and always had at least two four-legged companions at any one time. The family began to keep horses again in the ‘80s, and Jon in particular inherited his mother’s love of riding.

Marcia surrounded by her family. (Image: Matt Hullis) In 1991, Marcia and Colin separated. Although this was a difficult time for Marcia, those who knew her were struck by her unshakable optimism.  

“She was incredibly positive about everything,” said Matt. “She could cope with pretty much anything.”

Marcia then became a carer for children with emotional and behavioural difficulties at several boarding schools around Suffolk. These included Kesgrave Hall, which is now Milsoms.

This was a challenging role, and Marcia thrived on helping others. Her calm, sensible advice was always appreciated, not only by her students, but by others who valued her wisdom.

“She would always listen to you, and give really god, steady advice, about how important your behaviour and how you treat people are,” explained Matt. “That’s something my brother and I have definitely benefitted from, and it was fabulous to see her so the same for kids who really needed some support and someone to trust.”

After leaving education, Marcia worked several part-time jobs. In 2004, she became one of the core members who helped establish the Ipswich Parkrun in Chantry.

Marcia volunteered an incredible 140 times – at least. In her later years, she would be found running the kitchen with fellow volunteer Anne Fellingham, greeting the runners with a smile, and a seemingly endless supply hot drinks and sumptuous cakes.

Marcia volunteering at the Ipswich Parkrun, which she did for many years. (Image: Matt Hullis) Beekeeping was another of Marcia's passions. (Image: Matt Hullis)

Marcia travelled all over the world. (Image: Matt Hullis) Marcia kayaking in New Zealand. (Image: Matt Hullis) Marcia cycling in Canada. (Image: Matt Hullis) Marcia found herself determined to have as many adventures as she could. She had always had a “rebellious streak”, said Matt, having once told her parents as a teenager that she and a friend were going camping in Clacton – only to catch a ferry to go hitchhiking around Holland and Belgium.

Starting with a walking holiday to Greece, Marcia began to go travelling by herself – and soon caught the travel bug. Marcia journeyed all over the world, cycling along the west coast of Canada with her tent on her back, and riding horses out in the wild of the Yukon.

Marcia made friends wherever she went and carried these friendships throughout her life. Whilst canoeing in New Zealand, she got chatting to a lady named Elaine, who became a lifelong friend.

Together, the two women would go kayaking and scuba diving, until Marcia was well into her 70s.

Marcia canyoning in Wales, aged 74. (Image: Matt Hullis) Marcia's adventures included riding horses out in the wilds of the Yukon. (Image: Matt Hullis) Marcia in the wilderness of Montana. (Image: Matt Hullis) Marcia enjoying herself at the beach. (Image: Matt Hullis) Marcia was always a fun-loving grandmother to her four grandchildren, Imogen, Joe, Luke and Toby, and was incredibly proud to see each of them find their passions.

Since Marcia’s passing, her family has been overwhelmed by how her kindness touched people.

“I think 10 people have said that she was like a mother to them,” said Matt. “It’s so lovely that she was sharing that wisdom and joy with all those different people.”

Marcia died at home on Sunday, October 6, aged 78.

A celebration of Marcia's life will take place at Trinity Park on Wednesday, October 30, at 1pm.