Greta H. Tauscher

HOLYOKE- Greta H. (Bender) Tauscher R.N., age 95, of West Holyoke, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 6, 2010 at the Holyoke Health Care Center. She was born in West Holyoke, daughter of the late Karl and Hattie (Berger) Bender and graduated from Holyoke High School and the Holyoke Hospital School of Nursing. A Registered Nurse, Greta worked locally at Holyoke Hospital, Skinner Clinic, and Brookwood Court Nursing Home, retiring in 1980. During World War II, she was a Nurse with the American National Red Cross. Greta had worked all over the country, including Niagara Falls NY, Chicago, San Francisco, Alaska, Eureka CA, and Blue Lake CA before returning to Holyoke. She worshipped at Saint Peter’s Lutheran Church in Holyoke, and was a member of the Saint Peter’s Ladies Guild and Quilting Club. Greta also was a member of the West Holyoke Mothers Club. Her husband, Walter L. Tauscher, predeceased her in 1986.She is survived by three children: Rae Etta McElwey and her husband Neil of West Holyoke, Fred Tauscher of West Holyoke, and Robert Tauscher of Springfield, 24 grandchildren, many great grandchildren, a sister, Edith Gerhardt and her husband Rev. Arthur Gerhardt of Albany NY, and several nieces and nephews. Greta was predeceased by three children: Harold Tauscher, Shirley Miller, and Charlotte Bryden, and two grandchildren, Eric McElwey and Robert Tauscher Jr. Funeral services will be held Friday morning at 10:00 at Saint Peter’s Lutheran Church, 34 Jarvis Avenue, Holyoke. Burial will follow at Forestdale Cemetery. Calling hours will be held Thursday April 8, 2010 from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home, 2049 Northampton Street,Holyoke. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Peters Lutheran Church, 34 Jarvis Avenue, Holyoke MA 01040 or to Shriners Hospital, 516 Carew Street, Springfield MA 01104.