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HILL, Gretchen Elgert Gretchen Elgert Hill, 53, of Dayton Road, South Glastonbury, died suddenly after a short illness on Saturday (April 17, 2004). Gretchen was born in Hartford on May 19, 1950. She attended local schools in West Hartford and was a graduate of William H. Hall High School in 1968. She graduated from Valparaiso University, Indiana with a Bachelor of Music degree in 1972 and returned to the Greater Hartford area to pursue a career in sacred music. Over the years, she served as the organist and choir director at many congregations, including Christ Lutheran Church in Hartford, Bethany Lutheran Church in West Hartford and, most recently, Immanuel Lutheran Church in Meriden. She was a member of St. Mark's Lutheran Church, Glastonbury. Gretchen was an interim music teacher at Naubuck School in Glastonbury during the 2001-2002 school year. She was also a dedicated volunteer and later board member at the Hartford Conservatory where she was eventually appointed Director of Programs, a position she filled faithfully since June 2002. She was an active member of the American Guild of Organists and was well known in the Greater Hartford music community as an accompanist, a teacher and a friend. Gretchen is survived by her husband of 29 years, Allen Jon Hill of South Glastonbury, and two sons, Jeremy of Rochester, NY and Jonathan, of Boston. She is also survived by her brother Mark Elgert, his wife Beth, and her nephew and godson, Andrew, all of Hampton, VA; her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Clay and Jan Hill and nieces and nephews Gretchen, Craig, Nathan, and Rebecca of Cedarburg, WI; her sister-in-law, Carolyn Hill of Manchester, and her mother and father-in-Iaw, Rosalyn and Franklin Hill of Manchester. She was preceded in death by her mother and father, Eleanor K. and Alfred J. Elgert. A funeral service will be held Saturday, April 24 at 10 a.m. at Christ Church Cathedral, 45 Church St., Hartford. Burial will be private. Calling hours will be Friday from 4-8 p.m. at the Taylor and Modeen Funeral Home, 136 South Main St., West Hartford. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Gretchen Hill Memorial Suzuki Scholarship Fund at the Hartford Conservatory.
Sponsored by Jon's friends, the Klocks.
16 Entries
Allen,
It was a shock to hear about Gretchen's death. We are so sorry for your loss. We still remember fondly the garden we shared back when we first moved to CT.
We still keep in touch with the Sansings & they told us over the weekend -- we're sorry we couldn't make the calling hours.
Our prayers are with you and your family.
Courtney, Debbie, Jim & Samantha Morrow
Courtney & Debbie Morrow
April 26, 2004
Allen:
You are always in my thoughts and prayers - may the strength of friendships help during this tragic loss. Agape:
Pete Krieger
April 25, 2004
Dear Allen, Jonathan and Jeremy,
Our hearts are with you all as you embark on this painful path together. Gretchen was my savior as she stepped bravely into my teaching position when we lost George. I will forever be grateful for her unfailing ability to take over any musical challenge with ease and humor. Let's always remember the laughter in the back of the bus last summer as we all enjoyed the 9th.
My best to you,
Julie, Roberta and Max LeGrant
Julie LeGrant
April 24, 2004
Alan, Jeremy, and Jon,
God is with you in this. I know how it hurts. Comfort one another, and lean on your friends. You are in my thoughts and prayers!
With much love,
John Nowacki
April 23, 2004
Allen, may God give you and your sons comfort at this time of your sudden and unexpected loss. A former church and choir member of Bethany Lutheran Church.
Nancy Foster
April 23, 2004
We'll always remember the Hymn-fest and the time we shared together at Immanuel. Gary and Marcella Boehringer, Jill and Jesse
Gary Boehringer
April 23, 2004
Heartfelt sympathy from the Klock family to Gretchen's family, Allen, Jon and Jeremy.
Klock family
April 22, 2004
Our deepest sympthany to her family and friends.
Joan & Joe Fritz
April 22, 2004
I've only known Gretchen since the fall of 2001 when I joined her choir at Immanuel Lutheran. I found her a very dedicated and learned musician and she will be sorely missed by many friends at Immanuel. My sympathy to her husband and sons. May she make beautiful music in heaven.
Jean Benoit
April 21, 2004
The Watkin Family
April 21, 2004
How very saddened we are by Gretchen's sudden death. We enjoyed our friendship with her and her family and especially singing in the choir under her fine direction. Our deepest sympathy.
Bob and Joan Menz
April 21, 2004
My sincere sympathy to her family and friends. She was one of the nicest people I've known.
Michele Dreyer
April 21, 2004
Allen, Jonathan & Jeremy -- we are so sorry for your tragic loss. Our prayers are with you all as you go through this difficult time.
Brian & Beth Godwin
April 21, 2004
Gretchen was my cousin and we always have lived far apart . but i always knew she would make a mark on life and she has . she will be missed. cousin alice and family
alice nickerson
April 21, 2004
Holly Edwards
April 21, 2004
Our heartfelt sympathies in this, your time of grief.
Taylor & Modeen Funeral Home
April 21, 2004
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