Marcella Contessi Smith

Marcella Contessi Smith, was born in Sicily, Italy on October 22, 1928, passed peacefully in her home on April 25, 2020 with her husband and son by her side. 

Marcella had a successful career as a professional ballerina dancing at Florence, Italy’s Theatre Comunale Opera House, the Theatre Lirico of Milano, and the Quirino of Roma.  After 26 years as an international dancer Marcella eventually immigrated to the United States meeting her husband in San Francisco, after a short stay in Kentucky. In 1976, the couple settled with their two children in Petaluma, CA and Marcella opened a dance studio where she served as the Artistic Director of North Bay Performing Arts Center – Contessi Ballet until her retirement at 90 years of age. 

Marcella is preceded in death by her daughter Alexandra Maria Adams. She is survived by her devoted husband of 56 years, Gary Clark Smith; her son Anthony Joseph Smith, her granddaughter Jennifer Marie Ridgway, and great grandson Jamie Alexander Ridgway.  As well as hundreds of young dancers she has taught over the years.

A memorial in her honor will be scheduled once public gatherings are allowed to resume; please look for updates on the Contessi Ballet Website (www.contessiballet.org) and Facebook pages.  Mass intentions at St. Vincent de Paul Roman Catholica Church are scheduled form Monday May 11, 2020 at 8:00 am (https://svdppetaluma.org)

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to the Marcella Contessi Memorial Dance Scholarship, P.O. Box 844 Penngrove, CA 94951.  The family of Marcella Contessi Smith wishes to thank North Bay Performing Arts Association – Contessi Ballet and their board members for all their love, support, and dedication to keeping her legacy alive.

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