Gloucester - Gloucester - Martha E. Gyllenhaal, 78, passed away Friday, June 13, 2025, as the radiant pink sun rose above Twin Lights, glimmering over the ocean outside her home on Long Beach.

Marcie was born in Boston on October 22, 1946 to Martha and Walter Cavagnaro Jr. She was the oldest of three children. They lived in Dorchester in her early years. In her teenage years, the family moved to Hingham where she graduated from Hingham H.S. in 1964. She continued her education at Colby-Sawyer College in NH, earning an Associate Degree in Medical Technology in 1966. Marcie worked for Blue Cross in Boston during the early implementation of Medicare.

At that time, she met Leonard Gyllenhaal, who she married after he proposed atop the rocks at the end of Long Beach. The couple then moved to Bryn Athyn, PA where she continued working for Blue Cross of PA while her husband finished college at Lehigh University. Together they raised four children in Bryn Athyn; Deane (Rosa) of Beverly MA, Noel (Ronna) of Meadowbrook PA, Blair (Penelope) of Charlestown MA, and Amanda (Tom) of Somerville MA and were blessed with four grandchildren; Ethan, Karina, Brooke and Ava.

Marcie was very active in the lives and education of her four children. She was also an avid tennis player. When the children were infants, she'd bring them with her to tennis practice in a laundry basket, ensuring their comfort while honing her skills that led her to win a women's doubles tournament.

Marcie started an interior decorating business and loved gardening. She was known for the vibrant, abundant and unique flowers she nurtured and shared. Dozens of homes and gardens in Pennsylvania and Massachusetts have Marcie's creative touch incorporated.

Each summer she, with husband and children in tow, returned to the family cottage on Long Beach. Having grown up and eventually retiring there full time, she often expressed her love of the beach, the ocean, the waves and Twin Lights as a core reason for the trek from Pennsylvania every year.

Marcie is also survived by her brother Ben Cavagnaro (Mary) of Wells, ME. She was pre-deceased by her parents and youngest brother Jeff Cavagnaro (Judi).

"What are the wild waves saying? – Marcie, we adored you."

Funeral service will be held at the Bryn Athyn Cathedral in Pennsylvania in July.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Beth Israel Lahey Health At Home by visiting bilhathome.org/giving.