Marcella Mae Karmelich

MARCELLA MAE KARMELICH passed away peacefully at home on November 15, 2018, at the age of 91. She was predeceased by her husband of 70 years, Mike, in July of 2017. She is survived by her sons Michael (Carolyn) and Frank (Mary); four grandchildren – Robert Karmelich (Danelle), Kimberlee Karmelich, Karrie Stratton (Curtis), and Sarah Silane (Mike); and six great-grandchildren – Julia, Sophia, Jordan, Christopher, Nicholai and Justin. In addition, she is survived by her brother John Marincovich (Marsha).

Marcella was born at San Pedro Hospital on February 18, 1927 to John and Ethel Marincovich. She grew up in San Pedro and graduated from San Pedro High School in 1944, and soon took a job at Fort MacArthur to aide in the World War II effort as fiancé Mike fought in the Pacific Theater. She was a very talented singer, and often sang for the USO during the war. One of Mike’s favorite stories was when they played a record that Marcella had recorded and sent him over the loud speakers at his base in the Philippines. Marcella and Mike were married on December 8, 1946, a month after his return, and made their home in San Pedro for all of their lives.

Marcella was one of the “greatest generation,” and like many women of that generation, was a “stay at home” mom. As we know, that is just a euphemism as she was extremely active in her sons’ lives, serving several years as PTA President, being a Den Mother with Cub Scouts, and serving literally thousands of hours in the “snack shack” at Block Field in San Pedro.

After her sons left home, she followed Mike around baseball fields as he coached youth baseball for some 47 years! Marcella didn’t miss a game! But her real passion was helping others in need, and her special joy was working with the San Pedro Meals on Wheels. She worked with the organization for more than 30 years – cooking, delivering – and serving as their President for many of those years. She also served many years as the Voting Precinct Chairperson and balloting was held at her home for more than two decades.

Grandchildren always had their New Years Eve party at Grandma and Grandpa’s, and Marcella and Mike could always be found at Grandchildren’s – or Great-grandchildren’s – events. Family was first and foremost with both of them, and Marcella was, without question, the matriarch of the family. They were a great example to all of the family of how a marriage was supposed to be! She was a devoted wife, a wonderful mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She will be greatly missed by her family here, but we are celebrating that she and Mike are back together again!

Funeral services for Marcella will be Saturday, December 15, at Green Hills Chapel at 9:00 AM. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations in Marcella’s name be made to San Pedro Meals on Wheels (731 S. Averill St., San Pedro 90732).