Marcella Ruth Ostapowich's Obituary
Marcella Ruth Ostapowich
October 4, 1938 – June 5, 2025
Our mom, Marcella Ruth Ostapowich, left us peacefully on June 5th, surrounded by the family she built her life around. She was on this earth for 86 years, 8 months, and 2 days.
Born Marcella Ruth Gragg in West Orange, California (where orange groves still dotted the landscape), she grew up as the baby sister to three protective big brothers – Richard, Joe, and Carl. Those early years at Vans Cafe working with Richard shaped her forever. There, she learned that good food could turn strangers into regulars and regulars into family. It was a lesson she’d carry through everything.
She carried that lesson through her life with Ed, her late husband and partner in building Maple Leaf Construction. After his passing, she continued to create – not just housing, but moments. Like the way her chocolate chip cookies disappeared the second they cooled (her son Ed always swore he "just had one"), or how her hot cocoa made with real chocolate could thaw you on even the coldest day. Always extra marshmallows if you asked nicely.
She is survived by her daughters, Edwina and Mariann, her son, Ed, and his wife, Veronica. Her grandchildren, Dalton, Landon, Rebekah, Danielle, and more loved ones than we can count. She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Flossie Gragg; all three brothers; two sons-in-law, George Haggerty and Jack Cummings; and her grandson, Caleb. Though we miss Caleb every day, we picture her now, fighting that unruly cowlick of his just like old times.
Join us to say goodbye on June 10th at 3:00 PM in Floral Haven’s Garden of Gethsemane (enter at 71st Street, continue 1,000 feet, then look east). Come as you are – if there’s a chill in the air, we’ll imagine it’s just Mom, reminding us to go home and make something sweet for someone we love.
In her memory, share treats with friends and neighbors, adopt a rescue pet, or simply be the person who always has the good snacks ready and the candy dish full. That was her love language.
What’s your fondest memory of Marcella?
What’s a lesson you learned from Marcella?
Share a story where Marcella's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Marcella you’ll never forget.
How did Marcella make you smile?
