Gretchen Storch Hull

1932 - 2016

Gretchen Storch Hull

Gretchen Storch Hull, 84, of Seattle, Washington, passed away peacefully at home on November 14, 2016, at the very moment the supermoon rose into the sky, after a long battle with lung cancer.

Gretchen was born on July 19, 1932, in Evanston, Illinois, to Howard Louis Storch and Marguerite Lundberg Storch. She was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Lyman Walker Hull, her sister Marguerite (Storch) Ball, and her brother, Richard Louis Storch. She is survived by her sons Tom (Julie), Dan (Nancy Pease), and Gordon (Jeffra), and seven grandchildren.

Gretchen grew up in Kenilworth, Illinois, and attended New Trier High School, Bradford Junior College, and Northwestern University. After she and Lyman married in 1955, they lived for thirteen years in the Chicago area communities of Northbrook and Winnetka, where all three of their children were born. In 1968, they moved their family to Seattle to enjoy the beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

From combing beaches to climbing mountains, Gretchen lived an active life inspired by her passion for nature and a love of adventure. She was an accomplished rower, tennis player, gardener, birdwatcher, and hiker, and delighted in cross-country ski outings to the Cascade Mountains with her close friends. One of her greatest joys in life was rowing with her beloved Martha's Moms. She was a proud co-founder of the Moms and a spiritual leader in their adventures on and off the water.

Above all, Gretchen was devoted to her family. She took pride in the unique qualities of every family member and was the heart of every gathering. She adored her grandchildren, for whom she was an endless source of inspiration, fun, and cookies, and she treasured family visits to Henry Island.

Gretchen's twinkling blue eyes and contagious smile were widely known. She dedicated much of her life to conservation efforts throughout the Pacific Northwest, and she was an ardent supporter of numerous community causes. She had many extraordinary friends who deeply admired her spirit and the kindness she extended to everyone she met.

In accordance with Gretchen's wishes, a celebration of her life will be held when the peonies bloom in the spring. In her memory, she expressed a desire that you enjoy a walk or hike in a favorite place and do something to help others and our environment.