Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
GRETCHEN HOLLMER Obituary
46, of Newton, Jan. 17, 2013. Gretchen is survived by her son, Max Hollmer Chernetsky, and her parents, Alvin and Betty Hollmer of New Hartford, NY. She leaves three brothers and their spouses: Mark Hollmer and his husband Michael Lee, of Charlottesville, VA; Christopher Hollmer, and his wife, Christine of Clifton Park, N.Y.; and Peter Hollmer and his wife Maura of Marlborough, MA. Nieces Lauren, Tricia, and Helena Hollmer, and nephew Nick Hollmer also survive her, as well as many close friends and relatives. Gretchen died after a brief, intense battle with cancer. She was a highly respected technical training consultant/LMS manager at Harvard Pilgrim Health Care. As a certified professional coach and sole proprietor with Dream it Do it Coaching, she helped clients improve their career happiness by learning to be successful doing something that they love. Gretchen loved science fiction. With her son, Max, she was an avid fan of "Dr. Who" and other great science fiction stories, and the two took many fun trips together. Gretchen crocheted and made beautiful blankets and other gifts for her family and close friends. She was fiercely loyal to the people in her life. Gretchen was born in Buffalo, NY and previously lived in New Hartford, NY, New York City, Madison, WI, and Boston before moving to West Newton. She was a graduate of Notre Dame High School in Utica, NY, earned her B.A. in history at Canisius College and an M.A. at Columbia University. Gretchen's family requests that no flowers be sent. Donations can be made in her memory to the Elizabeth Evarts De Rham Hospice Home, 65 Chilton St., Cambridge, MA 02138. Friends and co-workers are invited to join her family in celebrating her memory on Sunday, Jan., 20, from 2-4pm at the Andrew J. Magni & Son Funeral Home, 365 Watertown Street, Newton, MA 02458. The family will be planning a larger memorial gathering in the spring.
Andrew J. Magni & Son F.H., Newton
www.magnifuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for GRETCHEN HOLLMER
Sponsored by Russell McFarlane.
Kathleen G. Silvestri
January 12, 2025
It still hurts to think of your absence. I pray that Max, your family and all your friends can find peace in pleasant memories of you that will linger forever in their hearts and minds.
Michael Green
January 12, 2024
It is hard to believe that it has been 10 years, and I hope her family has found some peace with what happened and are doing as well as possible. I can repeat what I said 10 years ago and add that she and I were in a couple of classes together at Columbia, and she was just ... wonderful. In every way.
Kathleen G. Silvestri
January 12, 2022
Gone nine years ago and still very much missed. I often think about your brilliance, determination and kindness and hope that your beloved son, Max, has inherited those wonderful qualities. You left us too soon, Gretchen. You were an inspiring coworker, and it was an honor to work alongside you.
January 13, 2020
Gretchen, you are not forgotten. There is not a day that goes by that we do not think of you and pray for you. We still miss you terribly and miss you at every family get together. You would be so proud of what Max has done with his life since you have passed. He is becoming an intelligent, sturdy individual . He is strong like you were, in every sense of the word. You will be forever loved.
With much love,
Mom
Patty Spear
October 4, 2013
I read about Gretchen's passing in the Canisius College magazine today. I am saddened of a wonderful life cut short. We spent many years together working on Canisius' summer orientation program. I have many fond memories of my college years because of our friendship. Know of my prayers and sympathy to you, her family and friends.
Patrick Dodge
January 28, 2013
Mark and Family, my deepest condolences to you in this time of loss. May you be granted strength to get through this difficult time.
Michelle (Fischer) Holbrook
January 25, 2013
To Chris and the entire Hollmer family,
I am so very sorry for your loss.
Darlene Olson
January 25, 2013
Max, Peter, Maura and all the family, I pray you find strength in each other and comfort in Gretchen's memory. Max, I also pray that you continue to grow in the love your mom gave and make her proud in all you do.
Catherine Luhr
January 24, 2013
Dear Max and Family-We were saddened to hear about Gretchen at Mount Mercy Academy in Buffalo, NY. Max, your mom worked with us in the early 1990's and she is still spoken of by us with love and affection. Her intelligence, wit and graciousness made her a favorite with teachers and students. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. She will always be a woman of Mercy!
Catherine Luhr, Bob Fix, Fred Kirisits, Paulette Gaske, Ruth Howard, Diane Bentley and so many other friends at MMA
January 24, 2013
Chris and Chris,
Words really can't express, how sorry we are to hear of the passing of your beautiful sister Gretchen. We met her this summer, when you brought her next door to our house for one of our neighborhood gatherings around the bonfire. She was so sweet and friendly. Its always so hard to lose a precious family member, especially when they are taken so soon. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you, and your parents and siblings at this difficult time, and especially to her son Max. Now heaven has a new beautiful angel to watch over all of you.
The Williams Family,
Scott, Kathy, Ashley and Rachel
Gene Herzog Jr.
January 23, 2013
Dear Betty, Al and Family,
Deepest sympathy from the entire Herzog Family, including my sisters, Barb, Ceil and Teri. We are all very saddened by this news. Our dear late mom, Genevieve, thought the world of the Hollmer Family and loved you all very much. Please know that Gretchen and all of you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sandi & Amos Nowicki-Odit
January 23, 2013
Betty and Al we are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you both during this most difficult time... God Bless you and your family...
Chris Cox
January 23, 2013
Chris & Chris,
I'm so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
George Cotroneo
January 23, 2013
Al, I am so sorry to hear of Gretchen's passing. I remember, as if yesterday, the Power Authority picnics with the kids running all over. She and your family will be in in our prayers.
Joe Rennie
January 23, 2013
I remember Gretchen from Canisius College (Class of 1988) wonderful classmate always smiling , my most sincere prayers and condolences to the Hollmerfamily
Dianne Serio
January 21, 2013
Though my memories of Gretchen go way back to the simple "funny" times of our youthful innocence,its her charm and grace that matured into such a beautiful, positive up-lifting person that I will cherish most.I keep going back and re-reading what she has written to me that has helped pull me through...Her light has been extinguished but her life will carry on forever through those she loved ! Thank God for Max...... May God bless you With all our Love
Dianne, Ray,Maria & Rebecca
Carol & Jim Nowinski
January 21, 2013
My heartfelt sympathy to all the Hollmer Family. I can tell you that I do know what you are going through, after losing my son, Bryan, a year ago. Gretchen was a truly beautiful person. May your sweet memories of her comfort you now and forever.
Love Always, Carol & Jim Nowinski
Jeremy Mortellaro
Gaurav
January 20, 2013
Gretch and I were internet pals and shared one too many laughs and tears in the last seven years. We shared this pure friendship that almost feels picture perfect now that I look back!
It feels unreal that the green dot beside Gretch's name is gray and will never light up again. I am sure that the many friends she touched through her life will always remember her! My thoughts are with Max and Gretch's sweet parents in this tough time.
Marie Boller
January 20, 2013
Sending Loving thoughts and heartfelt prayers to all of The Hollmer Family, Relatives and Friends. To beloved Cousin Gretchen, you are a Bright Light that will shine forever in all of the lives that you have touched.
Megan Pech Kinsella
January 20, 2013
Gretchen and I went to SS. Peter and Paul together and were good friends. When she moved to Utica we wrote to each other constantly and I will always remember the summer she came to visit. She was always so full of positive energy and nothing ever seemed difficult or impossible. She always embraced things and people that others would have shied away from. We lost touch, as teenagers will do, but then reconnected through Facebook last year. It was so wonderful to know that she hadn't changed at all in 30 years. She still had that love of life that drew me to her when we were 12. Her love of life and of Max came through in every post. I was so shocked when I opened my computer yesterday. Over the years I thought of her often and when things seemed difficult I thought of her positive attitude. She was truly a wonderful and unique person. Even though I have not seen her in many years, my life will be very different knowing that she is not here sharing her love of life, positive attitude and love of Dr. Who with those around her.
January 20, 2013
Our hearts go out to you and you will always be remembered at our home.
With love, JoAnna,Debi,& Sandra......
The DeRham Hospice Home
Russ & Gerri Volk
January 20, 2013
It saddens our hearts to know the emotional loss you are all experiencing at this time.Please know how we wish we could be with you today.May God hold you all tightly in his arms.We Love you all.
Russell McFarlane
January 19, 2013
I will love you forever! I never stopped and never will. You are my Gorgeous Gretchen.
Kathleen G. Silvestri
January 19, 2013
As a former coworker and friend, I treasured the opportunity to work with such a talented individual, whose intelligence and capability were surpassed only by her dedication, sincerity, compassion and devotion to her family, friends and beloved son, Max. It was a privilege to know you, and you will be sorely missed by many. May you rest in peace.
Joann Zimmer
January 19, 2013
Dear Betty and Al, Words can't express my feelings at this time. We belong to a very unpopular group of parents losing their beloved children. I can only continue to remember you in my prayers.
Love, Joann
Michael Green
January 19, 2013
I met Gretchen when we were graduate students in history at Columbia. She was smart, funny, beautiful inside and out, and a job to be around. I am so sorry to see this, and I want to send my love and sympathy to her family.
Showing 1 - 27 of 27 results
Make a Donation
in GRETCHEN HOLLMER's name
Memorial Events
for GRETCHEN HOLLMER
Funeral services provided by:
Andrew J. Magni & Son Funeral Home365 Watertown Street, Rt. 16, Newton, MA 02458
How to support GRETCHEN's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor GRETCHEN HOLLMER's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
