Marcia McMahon Myers Obituary

Marcia McMahon Myers of Rockport, MA passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 30, 2022, age 81.

The historic preservation worlds of Boston, Nevis and beyond mourn the passing of Marcia McMahon Myers, a pioneer, tenacious advocate, and champion of preservation for her entire adult life. Born in East Caldwell, New Jersey, she graduated from Mount Holyoke College and the MIT School of City Planning with a master's degree. One of her earliest preservation efforts assisted her parents in relocating an endangered historic house from Marshfield to Duxbury, MA.

Marcia joined the Boston Redevelopment Authority in 1964 as a planner. Given the significant proposed demolition in the South End, Charlestown, and Roxbury neighborhoods, she planted seeds to amend urban renewal plans to preserve existing buildings and neighborhoods resulting more emphasis on retaining and rehabbing them. She was a leader of the successful suit to adopt equal pay for women within the agency.

A strong advocate and preservation voice all over Boston, Marcia helped draft the Boston Landmarks Commission legislation and became its Executive Director. Her interest in maritime preservation led to her move to direct the National Trust for Historic Preservation's program.

In 1978, Marcia began development of a small sustainable residential project on the Island of Nevis in the British West Indies, known as Cliffdwellers. She served as president of the Nevis Historical and Conservation Society which among other accomplishments established a museum of Nevis history and the renovation of Alexander Hamilton's birthplace. She urged that Charlestown, Nevis be listed as a World Heritage site.

Marcia was an enthusiastic alto in the First Congregational Church of Rockport choir.

Marcia leaves her sister, Shirley, and brother-in-law, Oktay, nephew, David, and his wife Tori, all of Duxbury, and her devoted Shih Tzu, Wylie, a constant at her side and scores of friends, colleagues, mentees, and long-standing admirers.

Her services will be held in person and via Zoom on Wednesday, August 10th at 11am in the First Congregational Church of Rockport. Those wishing to attend by Zoom, please call the church at 978 546 6638. Relatives and friends are cordially invited. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the Music Program of the First Congregational Church, 12 School St., Rockport, MA 01966 or to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701.

Arrangements by Greely Funeral Home, 212 Washington St., Gloucester, MA 01930.