Marcella Louise Timmermans

Born on May 27, 1943, in Oakland, California, Marcee was a woman of empathy, warmth, and profound Catholic faith. Her life was guided by her devotion to the Church and her deep love for her family. A proud alumna of Kearney State College, she earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees before embarking on a distinguished 30-year career as a teacher and reading specialist. Her patience and dedication helped generations of students discover the joy of literacy.

Outside the classroom, Marcee was a fervent sports fan, with football holding a special place in her heart. She was a loyal and passionate Nebraska Husker supporter, rarely missing a chance to cheer on her team. Above all else, her greatest passion was her family. She adored her grandchildren and would do anything for them, leaving behind a legacy of selfless love and unwavering support.

Marcee was preceded in death by her first husband, Lawrence Timmermans; her parents, John and Veronica Jarecki; and her brothers and sisters-in-law, James and Terrie Jarecki and Ronald Jarecki. She was also preceded in death by her brothers-in-law, LaVerne Timmermans, Richard Timmermans, and William Armentrout; and sisters-in-law, Marjorie Timmermans and Nancy Timmermans.

She is survived by her husband, John Courtney; her children, Todd (Lori) Timmermans, Tim (Karey) Timmermans, and Laurie (Kevin) Tatum; and her step-children, Wynter Reaver, Joseph (Stephanie) Courtney, and Autumn (Jason) Benson. She is also survived by her sister, Esther (Ronald) Sindelar; her brother, Michael (Tammy) Jarecki; her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, William and Eloise Timmermans; her sisters-in-law, Debbie Jarecki and Janice Armentrout; and Jerry and Sharon McPeck.

Her legacy continues through her beloved grandchildren: Kyle, Ryley, Kelsey, Trey, Kacey, Isaiah, Gabrielle, Alexandra, Lauren, and Benjamin; her step-grandchildren: Priscilla, Sophia, Finley, and Arabelle; and two great-grandchildren, Collings and Josie.

Visitation and services are being handled by Westlawn-Hillcrest Funeral Home (5701 Center St, Omaha, NE). A Wake and Rosary will be held on Thursday, March 19, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, March 20, at 10:30 AM at St. Stephen the Martyr Catholic Church (16701 S St, Omaha, NE). Burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery (7800 West Center Road, Omaha, NE). Following the interment, family and friends are invited to return to St. Stephen the Martyr for dinner.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the North Platte Public Schools Foundation at www.nppsf.org.

"To teach is to touch a life forever, and to love is to leave a light that never fades."