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Marcella Irene Kelly Niemann, 101

Oct. 8, 1916 – April 18, 2018

Marcella was born on Oct. 8, 1916, in her parents’ farm house in Friend, Neb., to William and Katherine Kelly. She was the oldest of six children. She loved her childhood years growing up on the family farm. After graduating high school she attended summer school and then taught first grade through eighth grade in a one-room schoolhouse.

She moved to California during World War II and worked in the accounting department at Douglas Aircraft. She met her husband, Walter Niemann, in Long Beach, Calif., and they married on Feb. 14, 1948. They were married 41 years until his death in August of 1989. They lived in San Pedro, Calif., for their entire marriage, where Marcella worked in insurance at various medical facilities.

She was an active member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church in San Pedro. She served various positions for the Peck Park Senior Citizens Club. She and Walter were lifetime members of the Elks.

In 2003 she moved to Richardson, Texas, to be closer to family. She resided at Wellington Independent Living, where she was active in many events. She served in leadership positions on several of their resident boards.

In 2013 she moved to Rathdrum, Idaho, as many of her family members had moved to the North Idaho and eastern Washington area. She resided at Generations Assisted Living. She considered the residents and staff there as her dear friends. She loved them and they loved her.

Marcella made friends wherever she lived. She spent many hours writing to them or talking on the telephone. She was known for always offering words of advice, comfort or encouragement when they were needed. Her smile was a joy to all.

She passed away on April 18, 2018, in Rathdrum, Idaho, with her two daughters at her side. She was preceded in death by her husband, Walter; her parents; brothers, Jerry, Don and Patrick Kelly; sister, Madeline Tosland; her granddaughter, Denise Robson; her niece, Judy Friesen and nephew, Michael Tosland.

She is survived by her sister, Mary Jean Filipek of Kankakee, Ill.; her daughters, Kathy (Don) Robson of Rathdrum and Marilyn Smith (Mike Nix) of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; granddaughters, Alisa (Ryan) Mendenhall of Rathdrum, Kristen (Clif) Stratton of Pullman, Wash., Jinna (Steve) Lambert of Colbert, Wash.; and great-grandchildren, Hanna, Aubrey and Colton Mendenhall, Inman, Olivia and Lane Stratton, and Parker Lambert.

The family wishes to thank all of the staff at Generations for the care and love they gave to Marcella, especially in her last month of her life. There are no words that can express the affection they showed to her. The family also wishes to thank Crest Hospice, especially Chaplain Marla Rue and nurse, Stephanie Godinez. Their competence, care and warmth to both Marcella and her family eased the sadness during her passing.

There will be a memorial celebration service at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 26, 2018, at Generations Assisted Living, 13400 N. Meyer Road in Rathdrum, Idaho. All are invited to this casual event.

There will be a Funeral Mass at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in San Pedro, Calif., on May 31, 2018. She will be buried with her husband at Green Hills Memorial Park, in Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif.

Memorials may be sent to 3Cs (Cancer and Community Charities) Tributes, PO Box 1274, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83816. She was their oldest current member and enjoyed participating in their social and fundraising events.