Marcella Rose (Irwin) McDermott

Marcella Rose McDermott, 92, of Petersville, Iowa, died Friday, February 13, 2015, at Mill Valley Care Center, Bellevue, Iowa.

Marcella Rose McDermott was born October 12, 1922, in Kimball, South Dakota, to John and Wilhelmina (Geppert) Irwin.  Her family came to Iowa when she was a young girl and she graduated from Welton High School in 1941. Marcella was united in marriage to Edward Leonard McDermott October 1, 1942, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Petersville. They left briefly in 1945 when they moved to DeWitt, but they returned to the Irwin farm in 1949 and rejoined the parish.  The couple remained on “the old home place” farming the land and raising their family until 1984 when they retired and moved into the Immaculate Conception church rectory.  They spent their retirement caring for the church grounds and cemetery.  Leonard preceded Marcella in death on October 3, 1993.  She continued the grounds keeping until moving to DeWitt in 1998.  Marcella also owned and operated Marcella McDermott Custom Drapery Service for over 40 years.

Marcella was a lifelong member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, where she served as a Eucharistic Minister and Sacristan, and was a member of the Altar and Rosary Society.  She enjoyed cooking, gardening, hanging Christmas lights, dancing, playing the accordion and organ, watching Lawrence Welk, playing cards, and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Marcella is survived by her children and their spouses, Jack and Becky McDermott of Maquoketa, Judy and Jim Wolfe of Hiawatha, Susan and Tony Kalb of Dubuque, Dick and Jennifer McDermott of Channahon, Illinois; grandchildren, Sarah (Dale) Stolte, Anna (Andy) White, Matthew (Amber) Wolfe, Emily (Nathan) Dolezal, Megan Kalb, Tara (Jon) Boyes, Gina (fiancé Cody Page) Kalb, Jayme Kalb, Rick McDermott, Reilly McDermott, Allison McDermott; 11 great-grandchildren; a sister, Delores Spain; nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband of 51 years, Leonard, she was preceded in death by a son, Edward, a great-grandson, Rowan Dolezal, and brothers, Lloyd and Harold Irwin.

Visitation will be from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. Thursday, February 19, at Schultz Funeral Home, DeWitt, with a Rosary at 7:00.  A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, February 20, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Petersville.  Msgr. James Burnett will officiate.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Condolences may be expressed and a photo tribute viewed at www.schultzfuneralhomes.com