Gretchen Robertson

Gretchen Peirce Robertson, a longtime resident of Simsbury, passed away peacefully at Norwalk Hospital on February 7. She was 92. Born Olga Gretchen Ayer Peirce on October 6, 1928 in Newton Highlands, Mass., she spent her early years in Darien and Rowayton. She attended Cherry Lawn School and graduated from Norwalk High School in 1947. Gretchen studied ballet in New York and was a devotee of ballet, classical music and fine arts. While working in New York at Combustion Engineering, she met her lifetime love and husband of 45 years, William (Bill) Robertson, who predeceased her in 1999. They settled in Simsbury in 1960, where Gretchen lived for 57 years, raising her family and enjoying her many, many good friends. Gretchen was energetic, witty, gracious and kind. She was an avid reader, traveler, bridge player, golfer, hiker, sailor and gardener. She was a longtime member of the Simsbury Women's Club, League of Women Voters, Daughters of the American Revolution (Abigail Phelps chapter), Garden Club, and a volunteer with Meals on Wheels. Well into her 80s, Gretchen delivered meals to Simsbury residents, many younger than herself. She was an active member of St Alban's Episcopal Church, Simsbury, where she will rest alongside Bill, her brothers Tim and Hastings, and her sister-in-law Winifred Peirce, in the Memorial Garden. Gretchen is survived by her sons, Matthew Robertson of Edgartown, Mass., Andrew Robertson of Ridgefield, and daughter Sally Robertson Laroche of Fairfield; seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Donations in Gretchen's honor can be made to Meals on Wheels at https://mcleancare.org/about-us/support-us/.