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Gretchen Madri Wilson

1939 - 2021

BORN

1939

DIED

2021

FUNERAL HOME

National Cremation and Burial Society - Sarasota

2990 Bee Ridge Road

Sarasota, Florida

Gretchen Wilson Obituary

Wilson, Gretchen Madri
Jan 14, 1939 - May 22, 2021
Was born in Portage ,WI in 1939. Moved to Sarasota, Fl in 1947 living there till 1959 when she moved to NYC to begin to explore the world. Began to work for Eastern Airlines, married Arthur Wilson Jr. and became a homemaker caring for daughter Pam. Remained in NY state for 30 years then moved to Lenox, Ma to explore a spiritual life then back to Sarasota where she developed a very successful Massage practice. Madri is survived by Daughter Pamela Wilson and close friend. Contributions in lieu of flowers may be sent to The Community Foundation of Sarasota

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Herald Tribune from May 25 to May 26, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
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Rev. Amy P Zehe

June 14, 2021

Hello Pam, I send my thoughts and prayers to you. I so enjoyed your Mom. I just found out she was sick and looked up her name and found she had died. I knew her from Unity of Sarasota and had a great time together. I am very sad but my thoughts are with you. Blessings, Amy Zehe

Tim L Gallien

May 28, 2021

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Robert Jan Peters

May 27, 2021

Love, to think about you, dearest Madri.
A true hostess with that special touch! You have touched my heart.
Relaxed and open minded.
A personality you don’t forget.
Love
Robert Jan, The Hague, The Netherlands.

Robert Jan Peters

May 27, 2021

Zarah Willmann

May 27, 2021

Madri was a very special and wonderful woman and i am so happy and thankful that I had the possibility to get to know to her!
She has magical hands and an authentic character.
One time I could spent Thanksgiving with her and her family and it was a lovely experience for me as a german girl.
Thank you Madri - i will miss you.

Irene Schillmaier

May 26, 2021

Gretchen was very much a part of my family. We met in 1960 at Eastern Airlines where we traveled together & became close friends. She lived with my family for awhile & got married from my grandmother’s house. I am so sad to lose my “other sister”. She was a very special person and will forever live on in my heart. Fly free dear friend.

Heide Crossley

May 26, 2021

It is hard to believe that Madri is no longer among us, but hopefully, her spirit will stay with those who were close to her. She was a strong woman with a zest for life and a compulsion for adventure. As our guide to our physical wellbeing as well as to local lore and the goings-on in the city, from the arts to the best restaurants, her company was valued by us all. She leaves a big hole and will be greatly missed. Farewell, Madri, may your adventures continue wherever you are

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Marylou Selo & Heide Crossley

Planted Trees

Marylou Selo

May 25, 2021

Madri was Sarasota personified to me and my visitors. She had all the accoutrements of Southern Hospitality. Everybody was always welcome in her lovely home. Madri loved festivities and parties and dressing up for them. She decorated her home accordingly. Nobody knows Sarasota better than Madri, who came to live in Sarasota when it was still a small fishing town. Madri saw Sarasota grow and got involved in all the cultural activities that sprung up in town. Her zest for life was contagious. The collages in her hallway highlighted all the trips she had taken around the world.
Madri and I shared our love for the Ocean, for the Theater, for good food. She was a hostess par excellence and a terrific cook. Last year she built her dream kitchen in her new house. Alas she did not get the opportunity to use it much. Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations at her home are unforgettable. Her massages were the best of the best.
Madri did not know that she would embark on her last trip so unexpectedly. She left us all in shock and sorrow.
I will always feel her presence when in Sarasota and hope that Madri is now in a place she really likes and where she can be free of pain and worries. I love you, dear Madri!

Marylou Selo

May 25, 2021

Madri was Sarasota personified to me and my visitors. She had all the accoutrements of Southern Hospitality. Everybody was always welcome in her lovely home. Madri loved festivities and parties and dressing up for them. She decorated her home accordingly. Nobody knows Sarasota better than Madri, who came to live in Sarasota when it was still a small fishing town. Madri saw Sarasota grow and got involved in all the cultural activities that sprung up in town. Her zest for life was contagious. The collages in her hallway highlighted all the trips she had taken around the world.
Madri would recommend persons from doctors to painters, to beauty salons and hairdressers. She knew where to buy what and shared her knowledge. Madri and I shared our love for the Ocean, for the Theater, for good food. She was a hostess par excellence and a terrific cook. Last year she built her dream kitchen in her new house. Alas she did not get the opportunity to use it much. Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations at her home are unforgettable. Her massages were the best of the best. She loved people, dogs, and the flowers in her garden.

Madri did not know that she would embark on her last trip so unexpectedly. She left us all in shock and sorrow.
I will always feel her presence when in Sarasota and hope that Madri is now in a place she really likes and where she can be free of pain and worries. I love you, dear Madri!

Kate Alexander

May 25, 2021

Madri was a deep and beautiful soul.
All of us who were cared for under her healing hands will attest to that. Her spiritual light poured out of her .
She was also a beloved long time volunteer usher at Florida Studio Theatre. And here is where I picture her - laughing and joyous in the magical dark helping people, loving the company if artists and audiences and the refined, heightened emotions that were so palpable. She drank it all in , she who gave so much, poured out so much love and healing energy into people. She will be missed.

G-d speed Madri,
May Flights of Angels Sing thee to thy sleep

Glo Hoeft

May 25, 2021

Pam
I am so sorry for your loss. Your mom's Spiritual Journey was tremendous. I am glad to be a small part of it. I wrap you in the arms of Love.
Reverend Glo Hoeft

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