Obituary – January 13, 2023

Rebecca Cella

November 29, 1931—August 1, 2022

Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY, formerly of Ramsey, NJ

Rebecca Cella, age 90, long time resident of Ramsey, NJ entered eternal rest on August 1, 2022, at home with her family by her side. She was born November 29, 1931 in Johnstown, PA.

Rebecca (Becky) had an insatiable desire to learn receiving her RN degree from Jefferson College of Nursing in Philadelphia, PA. While working and raising four children, she earned her Master’s degree in Human Development at Fairleigh Dickenson University. She was an avid reader of self-help literature and took numerous courses and workshops into her 70’s fueling her passion to cultivate human relations.

Her career began as a Registered Nurse at Valley Hospital in Ridgewood, NJ followed by independent doctor’s offices. She became a School Nurse primarily in Ramsey, NJ at Tisdale Elementary, then Eric S. Smith Middle School where she not only advocated for children’s physical health, but also their mental health. In addition to her nursing career, she had a private practice as a Psychotherapist specializing in eating disorders, individual and family counseling. Long after retirement she is still remembered by her students and clients as caring and compassionate.

Becky and her husband Bob were very active in the Ramsey community for decades. They were an integral part of the Ramsey Youth Guidance Council, Ramsey Juvenile Council Conference Committee, Ramsey Response Team, Ramsey Drug Alliance, and helped raise funds to publish the pictorial book “Keeping Ramsey’s Past Alive”.

Becky was a great writer and had a passion for music ranging from classical to Boogie-Woogie. She was a gifted piano player and had a beautiful voice. She loved dogs, the outdoors, cross-country skiing, bicycling, and helping others. She will be greatly missed.

In addition to her parents, Rebecca was predeceased in 2015 by her loving husband of 62 years, Roberto J. Cella and her three sisters, Jane Maschue, Doris Trumm and Ruth Hallowell. Becky is survived by her four children: Robert J. Cella, Jr. & wife Connie; Donna Cella & husband Craig Gimenez; Chris Cella & wife Dawn; Sandy Cella Welch & husband Sanford; seven grandchildren: Chaz & Rylee Cella; Lauren Cella Milovich, Robbie & Christopher Cella; Denyse Welch LaVallie & Dana Welch Lloyd plus three great grandchildren: Lacie & Lexa LaVallie and Theo Lloyd.

Private memorial services were previously held. 

Donations in Becky’s honor can be made to: Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer: info@komen.org or Alzheimer’s Association: alz.org    

To send condolences visit: www.quigleybros.com.  Arrangements were entrusted to Quigley-Sullivan Funeral Home, Inc.