Marcella J. McGuigan, 72, of Winter Haven, FL, passed away peacefully on September 12, 2023. Born on November 14, 1950, in Detroit, Michigan, she was the cherished youngest daughter of the late Henry and Genevieve Kozak.
An alumna of Loyola University, Marcella began her professional journey with Xerox. Later, she upheld the family business by serving as Vice President at her parent's beer distributor, Kozak Distributors. In 1988, Marcella, along with her husband Ronald, relocated their family to Virginia. Together, they pioneered and prospered, with Marcella leading their venture, Kozak Beverages, in Petersburg, VA. As president and owner, she steered the company through 26 remarkable years, making it a cornerstone of the local business community.
In 2014, having left an indelible mark in Virginia, Marcella and Ronald retired to Winter Haven, FL. In retirement, Marcella relished the adventures of exploring her new home, indulging in swimming and water aerobics, and adorning her home with festive Christmas decorations each year. Her culinary prowess came to the fore during family gatherings, where her dishes and Polish recipes became the centerpiece of many memorable evenings. Her legendary baked goods each Christmas were treasured by all that knew her.
Marcella was a beacon of joy and laughter. With a heart full of fun and adventure, she had an innate ability to turn a mundane moment into a memory, always armed with a good joke or a story to make you smile. She cherished her family, fiercely loving them all.
Marcella is survived by her devoted husband, Ronald McGuigan; her sons, Robert Barrowclift and his wife Shelby, Joshua McGuigan and his wife Kristie, and Steven McGuigan and his wife Laurel. She was the beloved grandmother to Samuel, Wesley, and Jacob. Marcella also leaves behind her sister, Judith Ross; nephew, Ian Ross; niece, Katherine Ross Paul; grand-nephew Owen; and grand-niece, Genevieve.
A woman of strength, determination, laughter, and immeasurable love, Marcella's absence is deeply felt. Yet her legacy, woven through her family, her business, and the countless lives she touched, ensures that she will never be forgotten.
A visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. until the funeral service at 3:00 p.m., Friday, September 22, 2023, at Marion Nelson Funeral Home in Lake Wales.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Moffit Cancer Foundation. https://www.moffitt.org/give/why-give/about-the-moffitt-foundation
You can donate to the Moffitt Cancer Center Foundation by visiting their website at moffitt.org. You can also mail your donations to Moffitt Cancer Center Foundation PO Box 23827 Tampa, FL 33623-3827.
Thank you for considering donating to such a worthy cause.
Marion Nelson Funeral Home Lake Wales
Marion Nelson Funeral Home Lake Wales
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