Marcella Smith Baker

Marcella Smith Baker of Palm Desert, CA passed away on November 24, 2022. Born in Los Angeles, Ca to Maxine Kells Smith and Garrett Bradford Smith and the early LA Real Estate pioneer family of Herbert Ross Kells. Marcella attended Immaculate Heart of Mary School in LA and graduated from Beverly Hills HS. Marcella joined MCA Theatrical Agency and later MCA/Universal Studios where she was employed for over 11 years. After retiring from MCA/Universal, Marcella spent a period of time in Europe travelling extensively. Upon returning to LA she joined her cousin Jack M. Chase’s firm selling real estate. Marcella married John Baker in 1968 and moved to Delano, CA. Many years were spent commuting between Bakersfield and Channel Islands Harbor where her love of the sea was spent sailing the waters of So. Calif. Upon her divorce in 92, Marcella moved back to LA and later to Gig Harbor, WA with her long time companion Max Gloor. In 2009 after retiring, Marcella settled in Palm Desert and joined St. Margaret’s Episcopal church and The Newcomers Club. Marcella was a fun loving soul who embraced life and cherished her friends. Marcella is survived by her sister and brother in law, Laurie/Jack Hoagland of Balboa Island, nephew Brady Hogan and wife Jennifer, niece Heather Hogan, step-daughter Stacy Hamlin and family of Tucson, AZ, cousin Michael Platt and his wife Melissa of Indio, CA and the Brookshire family. A mass is being held at St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church in Palm Desert on January 21st, 2023 at 11:00 am followed by a Celebration of Life in Karns Hall.