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GRETCHEN LENGYEL Obituary

LENGYEL--Gretchen Hunicke, was born on April 28th, 1944 and passed away on Wednesday, September 17th, 2014 at the age of 70. She is survived by her husband of 48 years, Peter, daughters Monica Karlson and Cricket Lengyel, son Roger Lengyel, grandchildren Sebastian, Jasper, Hugo, Malcolm, Griffin and Ryan, brother James Hunicke and sister Deborah Manion. She co-founded The Madison Playgroup in 1981, and with great pleasure, educated more than twelve hundred two- and three-year-olds during her career. After a New England childhood she became a Manhattan dweller and an expert and lecturer on various aspects of raising and educating children in New York City. She graduated from Mount Holyoke College in 1966 with a major in Medieval English History and Literature, and could rarely be found without at least two books-in-progress, a warm, welcoming smile, her many adored friends and/or a grandchild in tow. She exuded goodness and kindness, and as one friend amusingly wrote, was quite a "gifted people person." She will be missed so deeply by so many. A memorial service will be held at The Church of the Heavenly Rest on Tuesday, September 30th at noon. In lieu of flowers, the family would be grateful for donations made in Gretchen's memory to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

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Published by New York Times on Sep. 22, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for GRETCHEN LENGYEL

19 Entries

Marti

September 16, 2024

You are gone ten years and I remember you like we were together just yesterday. I hope you are resting in peace, dear friend.

Marti Minker

September 16, 2023

I´ve been missing you for 9 years, and miss you still! I hope you are in paradise, my friend

Marti Minkrr

September 17, 2022

I think of you often, my friend! Miss you very much.

Marti Minker

September 16, 2021

I think of you often, dear friend. You will always be missed

Marti Minker

September 17, 2020

In memory of my unique friend. You will forever be in my heart.

Marti Minker

September 17, 2020

I think of you often dear friend. I remember your wit, intelligence, and kindness. You will always be remembered in my heart.

Duc Tran

October 6, 2014

I learned her sad news around 1am our time from her husband, Perter, whom i have never met yet. Danny, our 7-year-old daughter, always calls her Gigi and considers her American grandma. We are so far away to join in her Memorial service but we remembered her words" look at our same Moon and pray for our self" when she came to visit us! Gretchen is awlays in our hearts.
Duc, Ann and Danny- Saigon, Viet Nam.

Rhema Sayers

October 2, 2014

Gretchen was a friend in high school. Always a lady, even then, she did indeed brighten the lives of others. I am saddened to hear that she is gone.

Douglas Dopp

October 1, 2014

Gretchen was special, a true gem through our years in OSHS. Many people pass through our lives, and there are a few that create a memory, regardless of its age, that is lasting. Gretchen was in the few.

Patty O'Connor

October 1, 2014

The excitement Gretchen's grandchildren exuded when they spoke of their grandmother communicated such love! I've long admired Gretchen for her commitment to children and relished our "preschool" chats. But, most of all, I admired her over-the-moon love for her family. My thoughts & prayers go out to you all as you face this painful journey.

Judy Peterson

October 1, 2014

Sorry to hear of Gretchen's passing, Igraduated with her from Old Saybrook High school and remember her always smiling and making others laugh with her. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time. Judy Olbrys Peterson

Dawn Simmons

September 30, 2014

I remember Mrs. Lengyel. She always treated me like another daughter whenever I used to come and visit when Monica and I were young children. She was an awesome person and will be missed.

Mary Duffy

September 24, 2014

On behalf of the entire Class of 1966, Mt. Holyoke College, I extend my deepest condolences to Gretchen's Family. I shall miss our annual lunches and find the world lacking one of its finest human beings without her. Rest in Peace, Gretchen, Life Well Done. Love, Mary Duffy

Jennifer Churchill

September 24, 2014

She was always a bright light in any situation. She will be missed deeply by many. Sending sympathy and love to her wonderful family! xox Jennifer

Barry Linsky

September 24, 2014

From first meeting her at Tuck, to briefly "sharing" the basement apt on E. 76th St, I marveled at Gretchen's ability to brighten the lives of all those around her. The city is a less sunny place without her.

Stephanie Reckler

September 22, 2014

I was saddened to hear the news this morning. I remember Gretchen when our children were young. Her wise counsel was always accompanied by a smile. She championed all children, always finding something positive to encourage good parent-child relationships. I hope your many happy memories will help ease your sorrow.

Kalen Holiday

September 22, 2014

Only the good die young.

Marti Minker

September 22, 2014

I will miss you always.....rest in peace, dear friend.

September 22, 2014

As the days go by, may the good memories of your loved one bring your family comfort and may our heavenly father give you peace during this time of grief. (Isaiah25:8)

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