Barbara "Barb" Jean Cella

She was a loving partner and soulmate for 43 years of Patricia Killeen. Barb and Pat met at St. Louis University where Barb was a graduate student and Pat was in medical school.

In addition to Pat, Barb is survived by her sisters Beverly Cella and Patricia Walsh, brother-in-law Michael Walsh(deceased), brother Chris Cella, sister-in law Lisa Cella (nee Koster), niece Maria Smith, nephews Joseph Cella and Michael Cella, grandniece Evelyn Smith and grandnephew Liam Smith.

Barb was born on February 26, 1944, in Chicago, Illinois. Barb was the beloved daughter of Alice (Frank) Cella and John Kerschbaum. After her father John was killed in WWII she was later adopted by Joseph Cella when he married Alice.

When Barb was 13 years old, she moved with her family to Cleveland, Ohio where she attended Magnificat High School. Barb was a good student with a strong intellect. Barb graduated from Marygrove College with BA in History and later earned a master’s degree in history from St. Louis University.

Upon graduating from her studies Barb moved to the Bay area of California where she became a teacher in the Castro Valley School system. Barb loved teaching, a profession she excelled at for almost 40 years. Barb considered that one of her main accomplishments was the development of a multicultural course that became part of the school’s curriculum.

Barb travelled extensively throughout California. Her VW Beetle had well over 100,000 miles and many trips with family and friends. She was a gracious host and travel guide to all the Midwesterners that ventured west. Barb knew and shared all the best places off the beaten track.

Upon retirement Barb and Pat moved to Del Mar. Barb had a sweet and gentle heart. She loved taking walks along the ocean, arranging flowers, exploring new things, and almost all flavors of ice cream. Barb was an avid reader with a keen curiosity. She valued her friends, keeping in touch with some from grade school to the present. She will be missed by many.

In Lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. James Parish, Solana Beach, CA