Gretchen Louise Heinz

Gretchen Louise Heinz, 59, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly of natural causes at home in Midlothian, Va., on January 20, 2017, just a week shy of her 60th birthday. She had not been ill. Gretchen was predeceased by her parents, Edward L. and Carol M. Heinz of Midlothian, Va. She is survived by four siblings--Edward J. “Ted” Heinz (Zita) of Bridgewater, N.J., Clifford B. “Kip” Heinz (Catherine) of Chesterfield, Va., Deborah C. Maxwell (Terence) of Midlothian, Va., and Craig D. Heinz (Evelyn) of Cary, N.C.—nine nieces; three nephews; two great nieces; and four great nephews. Born in Montclair, N.J., Gretchen lived nearly all of her life in the Garden State, where she pursued a 33-year career in the telecommunications industry, retiring in 2010. She relocated to Midlothian, Va., in mid-2015. Gretchen was an avid animal lover and horticulturalist and was a Master Gardener. She also enjoyed horseback riding, bowling, and archery. A strong-willed, fiercely independent individual, she was kind, generous, fun-loving, and loyal. Gretchen will be dearly missed and long remembered by many. A private memorial service and inurnment will be held in the Memorial Garden of The Brandermill Church in Midlothian, Va., on Saturday, January 28,,2017. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Chesterfield County Humane Society, P.O. Box 2916, Chesterfield, VA 23832, www.chesterfieldhumane.org.