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Posted Nov 18, 2025 | 3:11 PM
Marcella Svoboda (nee Stapley), formerly of Prince Edward County Road 28, died on Nov. 17, 2025 at Hastings Manor. She was 98.
Marcella and her late husband, John L. Svoboda, raised five sons – Edward (Stef), John Jr. (deceased), Anthony, Paul (Michelle) and Karl (Kendra).
Later, she enjoyed helping raise her grandchildren – Katie, Sara, Tia, Daniel, Jessica and Jasmine; and her great grandchildren Sammy, Ashley, Nicole, Jason and Rylie. They will miss her warm hugs, marathon colouring book sessions, famous meatball soup and ice cream sundaes.
Born in Stirling on April 19, 1927 to Nora (nee Bronson) and Russell Stapley, Marcella grew up on a farm with three brothers – Ken, Ralph and Ford – and sisters Keitha, Lenora, Vera, Helen and Joan. Marcella later worked at Bata Shoe in Batawa where she claimed to be – in her own words – “the best darn leather cutter” on her floor.
After leaving the Stirling area in 1969, Marcella operated a successful antiques and collectibles business and was also a longtime volunteer with the Belleville General Hospital women’s auxiliary.
Marcella took great delight in hosting the annual family reunion and often told her family “I was born to be a mother.” She was never happier than when she was playing with her grandkids, to whom she will be fondly remembered as “Grammy” or “Miss Marcie.”
Marcella’s family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Hastings Manor for the outstanding care they provided during the last years of her life.
A private family interment will be held at a later date.
“God could not be everywhere, and therefore he made mothers.” (Rudyard Kipling)