Emily Martenis Castrodale

Emily Bell Martenis Castrodale, 94, was called to her heavenly home on May 9, 2025, at the Springmoor Life Care Retirement Community in Raleigh, NC. In the weeks leading up to her passing, she was lovingly surrounded by family and friends.

Born on September 16, 1930, in Elkton, MD, Emily was the daughter of Fred L. and Emily (Williams) Martenis. She attended Maryville College in Tennessee before completing her nursing degree in Baltimore, MD. After graduating, she married Milford W. Castrodale, Jr., who preceded her in death in 1997.

Emily's early career included working at the infirmary at Princeton University while her husband studied at Princeton Theological Seminary. The couple later settled in Cordell, OK, then Perry, OK, where they welcomed their children, Anne and Reid. Though she paused her professional nursing career to raise her family, Emily continued to use her skills in volunteer service, a commitment that would define her life. Notably, she assisted in administering polio vaccines to schoolchildren during the early national efforts to eradicate the disease. The family resided in Tulsa, OK, then spent three years in Palatine, IL.

The family moved to Raleigh in 1972. In later years, Emily worked in the Glass and China Department at Thalhimer’s Department Store in Crabtree Valley Mall, where she became a cherished part of many brides' journeys, helping them select china and silver for their registries. Her eye for beauty and thoughtfulness in tradition made these moments unforgettable.

Emily’s life was one of active service. She was initiated into the P.E.O. Sisterhood, an organization developed to promote leadership and educational opportunities for women, in 1965, and remained very active throughout her life. Her Chapter BK PEO sisters were among her most steadfast friends.

After moving to Springmoor in 1995, Milford, her husband of 46 years, passed away. She volunteered in the Springmoor store, where she met and later married Robert “Bob” McGaffin. Together, they lovingly managed the store, ensuring residents had access to needed items with care and compassion. She also gave generously of her time visiting residents at the Springmoor Stewart Health Center. She sang in the Vespers Choir, church choir, served on the Welcoming Committee, and participated in many community events.

Throughout her life, Emily remained deeply devoted to her faith, actively serving in the churches she attended: St. Mark’s UMC, First Presbyterian Raleigh, Covenant Presbyterian (PCA), and Good Shepherd Lutheran, where she and Bob worshipped.

Emily was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Milford; her sisters Mary Elizabeth Yarrington; Jane Martenis Balderston (Don); Helen Gallaher (Alan); and her brothers Fred L. Martenis Jr. (Kitty) and Dr. Thomas Martenis (Nancy).

She is survived by her husband of 13 years, Robert “Bob” McGaffin; her sister Kay McCormick (David); sisters-in-laws Genevieve Carpenter of London and Anne Golovin of Washington, DC; daughter Anne Castrodale of Raleigh; son Dr. Reid W. Castrodale (Jessica) of Concord, NC; and grandchildren Andrew Castrodale (Page) of Concord and Laura Warr (Adam) of Kannapolis, NC. She also leaves behind four beloved great-grandchildren: Jack, Lincoln, Theo, and her namesake, Emily Anne. She embraced her McGaffin family. Children: Karen (deceased) (Mike) Sharitz, Rob (Julie) McGaffin, Lynn (Tim) Hess, David (Pamela Yellin) McGaffin, and Steve McGaffin. Grandchildren: Micah (Megan) Sharitz, Kevin (Brittany) Sharitz, Madison (Darby) McGaffin, Trevor Hess, Sam (Che Grayson) McGaffin, Jonas Hess, Ian Reid McGaffin, and Garrett Hess. Great Grandsons: Cameron Sharitz, Tyler Sharitz, Hunter Sharitz and Lane McGaffin

The family is deeply grateful to the Springmoor community, Stewart Health Center, and Transitions Hospice staff for the compassionate care they provided Emily in her final days.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 PM on June 14 at Springmoor.

In place of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Springmoor Endowment Fund.

Arrangements by Brown-Wynne, 300 Saint Mary's Street, Raleigh.