Gretchen G. Metz

Gretchen G. Metz of West Bradford Gretchen G. Metz, 64, of West Bradford, died Monday March 11, 2013, at Chester County Hospital in West Chester, with her husband and children by her side. She was the wife of Gary W. Metz with whom she shared nearly 45 years of marriage. Born in Philadelphia, she was the daughter of the late David P. Ginther and the late Marie Larkin Ginther. Gretchen grew up in Ardmore, Wayne, and Rosemont. She was a graduate of Radnor High School and later attended Villanova University. She graduated from West Chester University with a degree in English and a minor in journalism. Her career started with TV Guide, where she was the editor for the Pittsburgh edition. A career change took her to Insurance Company of North America. Gretchen entered the journalism field working for the Coatesville Record where she covered local youth sports. She continued her career at the Daily Local where she worked for over 25 years. A writer and editor for the business section, she also wrote several columns including the popular "Put Gretchen to Work" where she would spend a day in the shoes of a local worker, then share her experience with her readers. Throughout her journalistic career she received numerous professional awards both locally and nationally. Gretchen was the secretary of the Cheshire Pony Club and took pleasure in horseback riding. She also enjoyed gardening, sewing, spending time with her family, traveling and taking cruises with her husband. She will be greatly missed by her family, colleagues, and her readers. In addition to her husband she is survived by her children, Stephanie A. Evans of Phoenixville, Gary W. "Bill" Metz, Jr. and his wife Anne of Downingtown; grandchildren, Gary W. "Will" Metz III, Eva Suzanne Metz, Vivian Elizabeth Metz, and Zoe Gretchen Metz. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Phyllis Carroll, brother-in-law Barry Metz and his wife Debra, cousin Deborah Horstmann, and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. Relatives and friends are invited to her Funeral Mass, 12 noon Wednesday, March 20, 2013 at St. Joseph Church, 338 Manor Ave., Downingtown, PA 19335. Visitation will be held 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday March 19, 2013 at DellaVecchia, Reilly, Smith & Boyd Funeral Home, Inc., 410 North Church Street, West Chester, 610-696-1181, www.DellaFH.com, and also from 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon Wednesday, March 20, 2013 at St. Joseph Church at the above address. Interment will be 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 21, 2013 at Edgewood Memorial Park Glen Mills. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, 1500 Rosecrans Ave., Suite 200, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266.