Mary Anna Pella was born to Stephen J. and Mary Anna Kochis in Newark, New Jersey. In 1953 the family moved to Wilder, Idaho. She attended Roswell Elementary to sixth grade then Parma Junior High, High School where she graduated in 1967. She worked at Moscow University Experiment Station from July –December 1967.

April 1968 she worked at Firth Corporation (Wood mill) as a grader and assembler. From here she went to work at Danes Wood-mill from August 1975-1981.

In 1980 she met the man she wanted to spend the rest of her life with; she and Joseph Pella were married July 3, 1981 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Caldwell, Idaho.

She traveled with Joe all over the country for 10 years as he worked in the Electrical Industry. In 1987 a son was born, we traveled another 5 years when Joe bought an Auto Glass Business. She answered the phone and helped with replacements of windshields. Mary Anna worked part-time in the kitchen at Sterling Public School. Then she went to Gold Crest Retirement working from 2006-2010.

When Joe retired in 2014 they purchased a fifth wheel trailer and truck exploring different places in our great country. Montana was their favorite place in the summer, even going into Canada. Winter would find them either home or in Texas or Florida for warmer weather. Next to God and family members, Mary Anna loved to collect angels, embroidery, and reading, with bookshelves full of different books.

She passed away at the Gold Crest Retirement Center in Adams on March 20, 2026 at the age of 76 years.

Mary Anna is survived by son Joseph and wife Suzanne and her two grandchildren Eric and Liliana, an older sister Brenda in Spokane, Washington and numerous family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents Stephen J. and Mary Anna Kochis, brother Stephen A. Kochis and beloved husband Joseph M. Pella, Jr.

Mass of Christian Burial Services were held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in St. Mary, Nebraska with Father Christopher Kubat officiating. Rosary was recited at 10:00 a.m. Tammy Lempka, organist, accompanied congregational hymns “How Great Thou Art”, “On Eagle’s Wings”, “At That First Eucharist” and “Hail Mary, Gentle Woman.” Pallbearers were Tim Lempka, Steve Lempka, Mike Lempka, Jerry Lempka, Kevin Lempka, Donovan Lempka and Ryan Lempka. Honorary pallbearers were Eric Pella and Liliana Pella. Interment was in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, St. Mary, Nebraska.

Memorials in lieu of flowers may go to the St. Mary’s Altar Society. Services were entrusted to Wherry Mortuary, Tecumseh, Nebraska.