Marian Cella, Former Wife of Doctor, Killed

Marian M. Cella, 58, the former wife of one-time Orange County political kingmaker Dr. Louis J. Cella Jr., died in Palm Springs Friday in a traffic collision.

A native of Providence, R.I, and graduate of the Yale University School of Nursing, she lived in Santa Ana from 1952 to 1979. A registered nurse, she spent many years working with handicapped people.

She was vice chairman of the Arthritis Foundation and founder of the Girls Club of Santa Ana. She also was a member of the Orange County and national boards of the Easter Seals Society and was active in the Children’s Home Society of Orange County.

Divorce Followed Charges

She divorced Louis Cella in 1977 following his indictment on state and federal corruption charges. He ultimately was convicted of income-tax evasion, Medicare and Medi-Cal fraud, embezzlement and conspiracy; he spent 31 months in federal prison. Cella, a former Santa Ana doctor, was at one time the largest political contributor in California.

Mrs. Cella is survived by a son, Louis Joseph Cella III, of San Diego.

A memorial service is planned for 3 p.m. Saturday at Our Lady of Solitude Church, 151 W. Alejo Road, Palm Springs. The family suggests that contributions be made to the Arthritis Foundation.

Mrs. Cella was killed in a collision Friday afternoon when her car crossed the center line on Highway 79, northeast of Temecula, Highway Patrol spokesman John Anderson said. The driver of the other car was hospitalized, he said.