S. Robert and Denise Zeilstra Gift Shop Marcela Crowley

Marcela (Marcy) Crowley began volunteering at Huntington Hospital in 2019, but her involvement in our work stretches back much further — to 1974, when she joined our staff as a nurse. Just six months after retiring, she returned as a volunteer. She now helps in both our S. Robert and Denise Zeilstra Gift Shop and at the information desk in our main lobby.

Noting that volunteers provide significant help to patients and visitors throughout the hospital, Marcy is enthusiastic about her new role. “I enjoy being able to connect with visitors and make a difference,” she says, “and I see this as a way of giving back to the hospital, which has been such an important part of my life over the years.”

With both registered nurse (RN) and Certified Nurse Operating Room (CNOR) qualifications, Marcy began her career at the hospital in 1974, working as a surgical nurse. In the late 1970s, she became a clinical coordinator, in specialty areas including cardiothoracic, trauma and urologic surgeries. Later, she worked in our robotic surgery program.

Marcy’s responsibilities included ensuring the availability of needed technology and equipment in the surgical suites, coordination of staff training, and more. “The surgical field is complex,” she says. “The nurses who work in the hospital’s operating rooms, and all the other nurses here, really deserve a lot of praise.”

While retirement is still new to Marcy, she is enthusiastic about this next chapter in her life, including the ability to spend as much time as possible with her sons and their families. She has three grandchildren, the youngest born at Huntington Hospital in December 2019.

“I absolutely loved my time working on the hospital’s staff,” Marcy says. “I had so many wonderful experiences here and I considered the people I worked with family. I knew I wanted to volunteer here when I retired,” she adds. “I’m grateful for the opportunities I was given and I’m grateful to be able to give back.”

For the safety of our community, the S. Robert and Denise Zeilstra Gift Shop is currently open only to those visitors allowed on our campus. You may order gifts and flowers for delivery to patient rooms by calling (626) 397-5257.