M. Denise Gretz

1937 - 2025

M. Denise Gretz
06/17/1937 - 01/26/2025
Denise Gretz passed away peacefully on January 26, 2025 in San Francisco, CA.. She was born on June 17, 1937 in Philadelphia, PA to the late Arthur and Nancy Gretz (McNulty). She was a loving daughter to her parents and was devoted to their care and attention in their later years. Her ashes will be laid to rest at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Cheltenham Township, PA alongside her parents and grandparents.
Denise graduated from Holy Child Elementary School in Philadelphia and joined several classmates in enrolling at the Academy of the Sisters of Mercy in Philadelphia where she enjoyed playing in the orchestra. The school was later moved to Gwynedd Valley, PA and changed the name to Gwynedd Mercy Academy. She graduated from Penn State University in University Park, PA with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry and earned a Master's Degree in Clinical Science from San Francisco State University
Growing up Denise exhibited an independent spirit and an interest in people and distant places, sometimes traveling with others and sometimes on solo adventures. Soon after graduating, she set off to Europe and Asia with one of her close friends. Her enthusiasm for seeking new horizons led her to move to San Francisco, CA where her roommate, work colleagues and acquaintances became lifelong friends. She also maintained a close relationship with family and friends on the east coast and frequently visited them. Likewise she encouraged them to come visit her in San Francisco, and became the ultimate tour guide. She and her VW drove people from Napa to Carmel, making sure that they saw every sight in S.F., and entertained people in her home. As her relatives and friends expanded over the years, their offspring were welcomed into her nest. She knew their names, birthdays, schools, significant partners and children, jobs, etc. and was their biggest cheerleader.
Denise was content with her life in San Francisco, where she attended the theater, ballet and, especially the opera. She followed the political happenings of the city and was a member of the World Affairs Council and the Commonwealth Club. Working as a research scientist for the Department of Agriculture in both public health and for the Army, she was a steadfast believer in the value of civil service. .For many years she served on the resident board of her condominium association and was regarded as a committed and reliable contributor. She was fond of taking long walks in the city so she could explore the different neighborhoods. Shopping at the Saturday Farmers market was one of her favorite destinations.
Thoughtful interactions with others was important to Denise and she will be remembered for her kindness and generosity. She will be missed by those people whose lives she touched.