Marcella Frances Vance

Marcella Frances (Dobecka) Vance, a lifelong resident of Dallas, Texas, passed away peacefully on November 9, 2024, in Temple Texas, at the age of 86. She was a devoted daughter, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend.

Born in Carrollton, Texas, on July 15, 1938, Marcella’s life was defined by her unwavering loyalty, dependability, and deep love for her family. From an early age, she demonstrated a strong sense of responsibility, achieving perfect attendance throughout all four years at Grapevine High School, where she graduated in 1956. Her commitment to those she loved was evident in everything she did, and if you met Marcella, you knew that her family was always her top priority.

Marcella’s professional journey began in banking, where she worked at First National Bank in Grapevine and Republic National Bank in Dallas. In the late 1960s, she made the bold decision to leave the banking industry to help build a small family business, Vance’s Food Store. She worked tirelessly every day, but also balanced the demands of motherhood, demonstrating a sharp business acumen and strong leadership that helped the store thrive.

Throughout her life, Marcella cultivated lifelong relationships with both friends and colleagues. Her warm and welcoming nature meant there was always a place at her table for friends, and she formed lasting bonds with a special group of ladies from St Philip’s Catholic Church that spanned over five decades. Marcella, Barbara Holy and June Adamcik were known as the “three musketeers” and shared many laughs and tears together. Her dedication to her friendships was a testament to her character, and she could always be relied upon.

Marcella was also an active and involved member of her community. She spent countless hours volunteering at her girls’ schools and at St. Bernard of Clairvaux Church after her retirement. Her service and generosity were a reflection of her enduring faith and commitment to others.

Marcella’s favorite pastime was watching sports. As a native “Dallasite”, she loved Dallas sports. She spent many hours with her grandsons debating the latest news about the Cowboys, Rangers and Mavericks.

Marcella was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Lillian Dobecka and her brothers, Marvin and Arnold. She is survived by her daughters Toni Akers and husband Mike, and Cynthia Hablinski and husband Robert. She is also survived by her grandchildren Jeffery and Jenna Edwards, their daughters Eleanor and Jude; Eric and Megan Johnson, their daughter Elliott; Peter Hablinski and bonus grandchildren Sid and Lori Halliday.

The family asks that donations be made to the Vance Family Scholarship at Bishop Lynch High School. https://fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/InHonor/team/vance

Marcella’s loyalty, devotion, and generosity will never be forgotten; she will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.