Leah Celeste Mercaldo died peacefully on March 26 at her home in Oak Bluffs surrounded by her loving family and friends. She was 72.

She was born to the late Irene Nisi Olson and the late Eric V. Olson on Oct. 10, 1949 in Worcester. She graduated from Algonquin Regional High School in Northborough in 1967. After graduating in 1971 from Worcester State College with a bachelor of science in elementary education, she taught at the middle school in Northborough for many years, then at the Oak Bluffs School and Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School. She was fondly referred to by her students as Mrs. M.

She also lovingly home-schooled her grandson Harrison in Denver, for several years.

Leah married the late Dr. John J. Mercaldo, the love of her life, on Dec. 29, 1973. The following year, their daughter Nicole, was born. As a family, they lived life to the fullest, skiing in New Hampshire, enjoying warm weather vacations and living and sailing on their beloved Martha’s Vineyard.

She was a beloved teacher to so many students on the Island and inspired them to believe in themselves and achieve a desire to learn. She was also an accomplished dancer, performer, and a loving friend, mother, wife and sister. Her zest for life flowed into every moment of her days.

She was a devout Catholic and an active member of Our Lady Star of the Sea Church in Oak Bluffs, teaching catechism to the children of the church for years.

She will be especially remembered for her sense of humor, the sheer beauty and love that was her, her faith and her devotion to family and friends. She brought light, love and magic everywhere she went. She will be missed but will always live on in the hearts of those who knew her.

She is survived by her loving daughter Dr. Nicole Dority of Denver and her husband Mark and their two children Harrison and Vivian; her identical twin sister Deirdre O’Connor of Sandwich; John’s children John, Kim, Michelle and Christopher, who all reside throughout Massachusetts; and several cousins.

A funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, April 2 at Saint Augustine Roman Catholic Church in Vineyard Haven at 11 a.m., followed by a celebration of life at 1:30 p.m.

Donations can be made to the Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard.