Obituary of Margaret Gamella

Margaret Mary Gamella passed away, peacefully on Saturday, February 18, 2023 at Newton Medical Center in Newton. She had shared 82 years of unconditional love, infectious laughter, and unforgettable memories with family and friends.

Born and raised in Paterson to the late George and Eleanor Cassidy, she was one of two children to bless their household. Margaret graduated from Mary Help of Christians Academy in Passaic County. She met the love of her life and best friend as a teenager; they traveled on this journey called life united in partnership. Margaret married her soulmate, Ronald Gamella, on July 11, 1964 in Georgia, while Ron was in the U.S. Army. That is where they began a family of their own before returning home to Paterson, growing the Gamella household even bigger. They relocated to West Milford, wanting their children to grow up in a bigger house with a backyard and closer to family. The memories they made there were priceless. Margaret was a loving wife, doting mother, hard worker, and loyal friend. And then, she became “Ma”! That was it, her world was complete, more so with each grandchild. Margaret’s new job was loving and treasuring those babies! She would take care of her grandbabies almost every day and work at night in retail, just to stay active. She truly was a remarkable woman.

Margaret was salt of the earth; she was selfless, always putting others needs before her own. She was honest and sassy and so much fun to be around. You could always count on her to tell you the truth, in the kindest way. If something needed to be done, Margaret would take care of it, regardless of what that meant for her. She loved her annual trips to Wildwood and her guilty pleasure was watching Judge Judy and The Steve Harvey Show. Although we are deeply saddened by her passing, we take comfort in knowing that she is now reunited with her beloved husband, Ron, her parents, and her brother, George, Jr.

She leaves only joyful memories to her devoted children, Elizabeth Ricciardi and her husband Rocco, Deborah (the late Ken) Smedley, Ronald Gamella, Jr., and Christine Altes and her husband Leo; her cherished grandchildren, Emily Ricciardi, Noelle, Bryanna, Britney, and Tyler Smedley, Jazmin, Leo, and Jadyn Altes; her caring sister-in-law, Toni Brady and her husband James; her loving niece and nephew, Scott Brady and Heather Batta; and dear extended family and friends.

Public Visitation will take place on Friday, February 24th from 4 – 7 pm with Funeral Service beginning at 6:30 pm at Norman Dean Home for Services, 16 Righter Avenue, Denville. Memorial Donations are being accepted in Margaret’s memory to 11th Hour Rescue by way of www.inmemof.org to ensure receipt of your donation. Please leave a condolence, light a candle, and share your favorite memory of Margaret here to continue to celebrate her life and let her light shine.