Edna Margaret Marinella, 100, died on April 11, 2021, in Chandler, AZ. Born on June 16, 1920, to James and Edna Cuzzolina, Edna grew up in Altoona, PA. with siblings Mary, Virginia, and James, all deceased. She married Carmen Marinella in August, 1942, before he left to serve in the army during World War II. After getting her degree at Juniata College in journalism, she worked as a journalist covering World War II for several East coast newspapers and was lauded for her coverage of the USS Intrepid.
After the war, Edna and Carmen moved to southern California where Edna earned her teaching credentials and a MA in Library Science from the University of Southern California. She worked as a librarian at public libraries, UCLA, and at Narbonne High School in Los Angeles Unified School District. After receiving a computer from Steven Jobs of Apple, Edna proceeded to create the district’s first high school computer lab. For many years she worked tirelessly to bring computers to high school students. When she retired at age 75, the school named the library in her honor, the Edna Marinella Library.
Edna was preceded in death by her husband, Carmen, who was a business professor at Harbor College and volunteered as a docent the Point Vicente Interpretive Center in Palos Verdes.
Edna is survived by her son Stephen and wife Sandra Marinella of Chandler; daughter Angela Marinella and partner Brian Young of Mount Vernon, WA. Edna also leaves behind grandchildren Forrest Brunton (Renee); Matthew Marinella (Keely); Colin Brunton (Rachel); and Zach Marinella (Jordyn Raimondo); and seven great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind many dear relatives, friends from Redondo Beach, Palos Verdes, and the Gardens of Ocotillo in Chandler.
Edna will be missed by family and friends who loved her energy, her drive, and the positive encouragement she always brought to those in her life. Interment will be in June at Riverside National Cemetery followed by a private celebration of Edna’s beautiful life.
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