Marcella was born in Elizabeth, NJ on January 6, 1931, to Herbert A. Gordon and Rosalie V. Gordon. Marcella spent much of her childhood in New Jersey before relocating to Tampa where she graduated from Our Lady of Perpetual Help Academy, Class of 1948. Marcella had fond memories of attending the school in Historic Ybor City, frequently getting a Cuban sandwich with her younger sister Allene Gordon Newell, and classmates after school. Her classmates continued to meet throughout their lives for lunches as often as possible.
Marcella married USAF TSGT Russell E. Walker, enjoying military travels while raising four children. She would often share stories of the bases they were assigned to from California to Idaho, Louisiana, Colorado and back to Florida which she would eventually refer to as home.
Marcella was a modern woman for her time, and that led her back to school, when her marriage ended, while still raising children at home.
Marcella graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from the University of Tampa and continued on to receive a Master’s Degree in Education from Nova Southeastern University. Marcella always referred to herself as an Educator and she loved teaching. She taught at St. Patrick's Catholic School and Most Holy Redeemer Catholic School both of Tampa, Florida. Marcella retired from Most Holy Redeemer in 1998 as Assistant Principal. It brought great joy to her when former students would recognize her in daily life and share their memories of her days with them in the classroom.
Marcella enjoyed her family, friends and traveling and was also a dedicated sports fan enjoying Notre Dame and University of Florida football along with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. She loved cooking for her family. Especially the Wednesday Night dinners she would host for her children and grandchildren. While the smoke alarm would often sound, much to the delight of the younger ones, the meals were always perfectly fine, and laughter always rose higher than the smoke!
Marcella was preceded in death by:
Herbert A. Gordon, Father; Rosalie V. Gordon, Mother; Dale A Gordon, Brother; Brandi Nicole Walker, Granddaughter; Bayleigh Ann Valk, Great Granddaughter.
Marcella is survived by her loving Family:
Son, Glenn A. Walker (Judy), Cleveland, Georgia
Daughter, Diane M. Crittenden (Mark) Tampa, Florida
Daughter, Carol A. Mitchell, St Petersburg, Florida
Son, Brian D. Walker (Audrey Walden) Tampa, Florida
Sister, Allene Newell, (Dave) Goshen, Indiana
Five Grandchildren and Nine Great Grandchildren
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at noon, Friday, December 3, 2021, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 4518 S. Manhattan Avenue, Tampa, Florida 33611
In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial donation to: Wounded Warriors
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