Marcella Laverne Massa

She was born April 29, 1922, in Norway to Louis Massa and Teresa (Christanelli). Marcella married Michael Gotz in 1941; he passed away in 1969. Marcella later married Chester Poduch who preceded her in death in 1991.

Marcella is survived by her three children: Joy Olson (Roger), Stephen (Kathryn) and Paul (Judy).

As a young girl, Marcella loved the wintry landscape of the Upper Peninsula, and enjoyed outdoor sports, particularly ice skating. Marcella never knew a stranger. Everyone she met became a friend. When she moved to Chicago, she built a tight-knit community with the people around her.

She loved to bake and generously shared cookies with friends, neighbors, even local charities. A fixture on her Schwinn bicycle, Marcy was sporty and quick with a laugh and quite the cardshark.

An avid sports enthusiast Marcella enjoyed listening to the Cubs on her radio and watching the Bears while she baked peanut butter cookies. Though, remembering her Northern roots, she wasn’t opposed to occasionally supporting “the Pack.”

Her children, many grandchildren (eight) and great-grandchildren (14) are already baking cookies in her honor and missing her terribly. Her family will remember her infectious smile, bubbly social nature and her kindness.

Donations in Marcella’s name can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.