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Gretchen Clark Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Gretchen Clark
Wendy Trottier
June 15, 2010
The Bridge Builder
An old man, going a lone highway,
Came, at the evening, cold and gray,
To a chasm, vast, and deep, and wide,
Through which was flowing a sullen tide.
The old man crossed in the twilight dim;
The sullen stream had no fear for him;
But he turned, when safe on the other side,
And built a bridge to span the tide.
"Old man," said a fellow pilgrim, near,
"You are wasting strength with building here;
Your journey will end with the ending day;
You never again will pass this way;
You've crossed the chasm, deep and wide-
Why build you this bridge at the evening tide?"
The builder lifted his old gray head:
"Good friend, in the path I have come," he said,
"There followeth after me today,
A youth, whose feet must pass this way.
This chasm, that has been naught to me,
To that fair-haired youth may a pitfall be.
He, too, must cross in the twilight dim;
Good friend, I am building this bridge for him."
author: Will Allen Dromgoole
My life is different because of Gretchen and will never be the same without her. She made such a difference in so many lives. She will be forever missed and loved more than words can express.
Kim & Chris Holtrop
February 2, 2010
To Ken, Faith, and Family:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. There are so many people thinking of you all, and praying you will soon find comfort in the wonderful memories of Gretchen you have been given over the years. Her infectious smile affected everyone she came in contact with, and will never be forgotten.
To Gretchen:
May the road rise up to meet you, may the wind be ever at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face and the rain fall softly on your fields. And until we meet again, may God hold you in the hollow of his hand.
Kelli Masterson Laisch
January 16, 2010
Dear Ken and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Gretchen was a great friend of mine at Georgia Southern. We had recently reconnected on facebook and I can't tell you how excited I was for that. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the whole family. I am so truly sorry. With deepest sympathy,
Stacey Wesch
January 15, 2010
Gretchen was one of the most caring, warm-hearted people I have ever known. There aren't many guidance counselors, who know the students so well, that they could just look at any given student, on any given day, and tell that something was not quite right with them. But, Gretchen could. She helped my children, and myself, through some pretty rough times. You could always count on her to be there for you, ready and eager to help, in whatever way she could. She was an incredible friend, mentor, mediator, listener, mother, wife and so much more. When it came to her family, all you had to do is mention Ken or Faith, and you could see her eyes light up, and a big silly grin from ear to ear. Gretchen will live forever in the hearts and souls of everyone who knew her, and we will all be better people because of it. Thank you to her family, for sharing such a special person with all of us.
All Our Love,
The Wesch Family
Candy Ostrow
January 14, 2010
Ken,
My deepest condolences to you, Faith and the entire Family.
Although I didn't know Gretchen for very long, the times that we spent in the park during Adoption Play Dates were so much fun. Gretchen was so in love with Faith. She meant the world to her.
Why these things happen, we'll never know.
You and Faith are in my thoughts and prayers. Hoping that Love and Memories will over shadow the pain soon.
Candy Ostrow
Mom to Rachel - Anhui, China
Sara Srebnik
January 14, 2010
The world is a little dimmer with the loss of Gretchen. She was such a caring and loving person. There was a picture of her at the service of her laughing at her sister's wedding. That is how I will always remember Gretchen - laughing, her eyes twinkling.
My thoughts and prayers go out to all of Gretchen's family during this difficult time.
Scott Levitt
January 14, 2010
I had the privilege of calling Gretchen a close friend since 4th grade. We shared many many great times together over the years. I will never forget her amazing smile, great laugh, and love of life. Her optimism was contagious and something I looked up to. While her life was short, the impact she had on others was anything but that.
To Ken, Faith, and the rest of Gretchen's family, may your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Gretchen, I will never ever forget you! Rest in peace!
Mimi Ribotsky
January 14, 2010
Gretchen was a wonderful shining and smiling light at Riverglades. She helped my son Ben get through some very difficult times. She provided him with great advice and me as well. We are both deeply saddened by her passing but at the same time, I feel lucky and privileged that she touched our lives.
January 14, 2010
Our family will always remember Gretchen for her kindness, generosity and graciousness. She was there for us when we needed her! May God hold your family close during this difficult time. Love your Neighbors with the fender bender.. Gabby, Bridget, Chris & Michael D'Angelo
Jenny Dewan
January 14, 2010
Ken/Faith and family,
Gretchen's spirit will be in my heart, as well as many others, forever. She had a zest for life and made a difference to so many. She was most proud of being mom to faith and a loving wife. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
-Jenny, Blake and Jack
Riverglades PTA
January 14, 2010
On behalf of all of the parents at Riverglades Elementary, the PTA Board expresses our deepest sympathies for your loss. Gretchen was always smiling, helpful and available to all of us. She will be missed.
January 14, 2010
Ken - my thoughts and prayers are being sent to you and the family during this very difficult time. I pray that God will strengthen you all so that you can continue on and keep her legacy alive; especially your daughter.
January 13, 2010
Jeannine,
Stanley and I are so saddened by the news of the sudden and tragic death of your sister, Gretchen. Please know that we have the deepest sympathy for you and all of your family. Our hearts and our prayers are with you.
with devotion,
Beverly and Stanley Erdreich
Larry & Pat Chandler
January 13, 2010
Dear Ken,
Our prayers are with you as you grieve the loss of your beloved wife Gretchen. Remember it's not how long the flower blooms that matters, but how beautifully.
With deepest sympathy,
Your former neighbors,
January 13, 2010
I am thankful for the opportunity of having worked with Gretchen at ARC and being her friend as well. May her spirit live on in your memories.
With love & deepest sympathy,
Maryann & Steve Wessel
Linda and Ron Krichbaum
January 13, 2010
January 13, 2010
We just don't have the words to describe the sadness we feel for you and your family. Though we're far away our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Ron and Linda Krichbaum
January 13, 2010
A golden heart stopped beating, a determined spirit was at rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Ken.
January 13, 2010
I had the privilege of meeting and becoming friends with Gretchen for the past six months. This certainly was not long enough to enjoy someone so kind, sincere, and full of laughter and fun. She will be missed by myself and so many other people. I am so very sorry for your loss and will always remember her dearly. My deepest sympathy to Faith, Ken and the rest of her family.
Renee Marzullo
Parkland, Florida
January 13, 2010
Jeannine - My heart goes out to you. I will keep you and your family in my prayers, especially during the coming days.
Jenny McCain
Elizabeth Baldassarre
January 13, 2010
We have many happy memories of Gretchen when our son was attending TIP at ARC. Her infectious smile and warm heart for the children, families and staff will always be remembered. Gretchen's greatest pride was her daughter, Faith, and her family.
Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to her husband and family for a life taken too soon.
The Baldassarre Family
Charlye Brocks
January 13, 2010
Though her journey has been short her reward is now sweet - as she dances the time away in the arms of GOD!
My prayers of finding peace and consolation are for those of us left behind.
January 13, 2010
It seems impossible and impossibly unfair that Gretchen is gone. She should be here to enjoy the career and the family she worked to build, to enjoy it all at its peak. We are so sorry for your loss and are thinking about you.
Regina and John Ammon
Fred & Darlene Gentile
January 13, 2010
Our prayers,sympathy and love go out to the family for the loss of this wonderful gift that God gave us to share for too short of time. Fred and Darlene Gentile
January 13, 2010
Gretchen was loved so much by all of her family. I wish I could be with you all at this time. Know that Chris, Gary, and I love you all and we are here for you. Love, Aunt Jody
January 13, 2010
We are so sorry for your terrible loss. All of you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jim Sokol & Lydia Cheney
Jena Piekarski
January 13, 2010
Mrs.Clark was so thoughtful and kind to myself and my daughter while undergoing cancer diagnosis and treatment. She took time to send emails, cards and to call to ensure that Cara was doing well and when she wasn't sat and spoke with both of us when Cara was scared. May God bless you and your family during a devastating and painful time. Gretchen was a special woman who has touched our lives, we will miss her.
Susan and Peter Flax
January 13, 2010
Is is so rare that such a thoughtful, warm, friendly, caring, person who exudes an honest love of life crosses our path. I admired Gretchen for the wonderful way she communicated with parents, children, and colleagues. She spoke enthusiastically about her family and friends, and loved sharing the beautiful times you had together. She spoke so highly of all who worked with her to help children grow. Gretchen always had a smile on her face and touched all of our lives with graciousness. We were lucky to have her in our lives. We are all so sad that her time with us was so brief. Our sincere condolences to all members of Gretchen's family. She loved you dearly. Faith, you were the joy of mommy's life!
Anne Forschler-Tarrasch
January 13, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with the O'Grody family during this difficult time.
Roy and Susan Dobson
January 13, 2010
Our hearts and prayers go out to you and your family at this time. Know that we are thinking of you.
Diane;Spencer;and Ben Shaw
January 13, 2010
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Charlie Amos
January 13, 2010
Ken,
My prayer for you and your family is a prayer of peace of heart and mind.
Mitchell Benson
January 13, 2010
As a parent of a child with autism, I know Gretchen from her days at ARC. Everything she did was to care about 'her' kids and looked after them as a loving mother. It was with great happiness to see Gretchen so happy when she became a mom when Faith came into her life. The family has suffered a great loss but so has every child she has helped during her career.
The Benson Family
Robin Jones
January 13, 2010
My heart felt sympathy to all of Gretchen's family. I am so sorry for your loss. Love, Robin Rae
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