Obituary of Marcella Timbs Specce

SPECCE, Marcella Timbs- Our beautiful angel Marcella, passed peacefully into heaven in the presence of her family on Oct. 15, 2023. Beloved wife of John for 54 years, loving mother to Jeremy (Corinne), Christopher, (Monica) and Timothy, (Chinar). Adored by her grandchildren, Jai, Lucia, Kareena and Daniel. Loving sister of Katherine Boylan, Judie Orlando (Aldo) and predeceased by her brother George. Survived by many relatives, nephews, nieces, cousins and countless friends. Marcella was born on April 19, 1949 in Flushing N. Y. to the late George and Katherine Ackert. She attended St. Andrew Avellino Elementary School in Flushing, High School at the Dominican Academy in Manhattan, Queens borough Community College and Queens College, where she earned a degree in early childhood education. She and John fell in love in the summer of 1965 in Sound Beach, L.I., where both of their parents had vacation homes. After a 4 year romance, they married in January 1969 and 4 months later Marcella journeyed to Asmara Eritrea (then Ethiopia), to join John who was in the Navy and stationed at their communication station. They enjoyed the beginning of married life there, and in early 1970, with his service ended, returned to the states, where she began her teaching career at the Cinnamon Tree Day Care Center in Riverdale N.Y. Her talents were quickly recognized and was appointed Associate Director. When their first child, Jeremy, was born in 1976, Marcella, made the decision to become a full time mom, a noble profession. Two more sons followed, Christopher in 1979 and Timothy in 1982. After John had established his State Farm Insurance Agency in Oyster Bay, they moved to that community in 1977. In addition to raising her children, she volunteered her talents to many local organizations; The Vernon Middle School PTA where she was co-president, teaching religion at St. Dominic R.C Church, the Boys and Girls Club of Oyster Bay – East Norwich, the Oyster Bay Railroad Museum and others. During their 54 years of marriage, the family enjoyed traveling in North America, Europe, and their favorite destination, Paradise Island in the Bahamas. Her greatest pleasure, however, was being with her family and friends at home, and with her beloved grandchildren. Marcella's full and rewarding life was defined by love, compassion and understanding for others. During her last days, she demonstrated tremendous courage and selflessness, putting the well-being of others before herself. She will be missed and be in our hearts forever. Family and friends are invited to join in honoring her memory by visiting the Oyster Bay Funeral Home, 261 South St., on Sunday, October 22, between the hours of 1-4 and 6- 8 p.m. Mass of Christian burial on Monday, Oct. 23, 10:30 A.M. at St. Dominic R.C. Chapel, Oyster Bay. Burial to follow at the Locust Valley Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Marcella's memory can be made to the Boys and Girls Club of Oyster Bay – East Norwich, The Dominican Academy and the Oyster Bay Railroad Museum.