Marcella F. Aldern

Marcella Florence Aldern of Upland, California passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 27 at the age of 90. She was born on February 7, 1930 in Cologne, MN to Eugene and Amanda Lins, one of 14 children. Marcella and her siblings helped on the family peony and gladiolus farm. In 1952, she met the love of her life, Joe Aldern, at a local dance and they were married on July 25, 1953. As they raised their four children, they moved from Minnesota to Illinois and Pennsylvania, finally settling in California in 1972 for the remainder of their lives.

Marcella is remembered as a true beauty, stylish and sassy, devoted to her family and faith. She had an appreciation for antiques and interior design, using her talents to create a warm and welcoming home. Marcella was an expert seamstress and lifelong learner whose many interests included Chinese cooking and yoga. Her elegant demeanor was enhanced by a sparkling (and sometimes delightfully irreverent) sense of humor. Marcella was a devoted friend who kept in touch with pals from elementary school until her passing.

Marcella and Joe were founding members of St. Anthony’s Church in Upland, where they worked faithfully to support the growth of the parish. As members of the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre they traveled to Jerusalem and Rome, where they met the Pope. She was a member of the Rotary Anns and volunteered with Ability First. Her compassionate nature led her to visit the elderly in local nursing homes.

Marcella is survived by her children Kathy (Doug) Leo of Upland, Janice (Dave) March of Santa Clarita, Beth (Valmir) Fernandes of Upland, Joe (Laurie) Aldern of Redlands; nine grandchildren, four (soon to be five) great-grandchildren and siblings Del Holmgren, Rose Doffing, Stan Lins, Roland Lins, and Herb Lins.

Marcella is preceded in death by her husband Joe; infant son Mark; parents Eugene and Amanda Lins; siblings Leo Lins, Roger Lins, Gene Lins, Gordon Lins, Greg Lins, Ramona Thearin, Delores Johnston and Ray Lins.

Marcella will be interred in a private ceremony at Oak Park Cemetery, Claremont, CA. The family extends a heartfelt thanks to the staff at Sunrise Senior Living in Rancho Cucamonga and the devoted caregivers with VITAS Hospice.