Gretchen went to eternal peace on July 11th. Born in Springfield, Massachusetts in 1930, Gretchen was the wife of the late Kenneth M. Childs, Jr, mother to Larry and his wife Susy; Robin and her husband Bobby; Jimmy (deceased); and Sally. She had two grandsons, Roy and his wife Jillian, and Andy. She also had two great grandchildren, Rory and Elsa. Gretchen attended Sargent College of Boston University in Boston, graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in physical therapy in 1952. She married Kenny in 1952 and travelled the world with her husband while he was in the Air Force and then in his profession as a civil engineer. She met a variety of people and was actively interested in their lives making lasting friends the world over. While living in Medfield, MA, she was a school crossing guard, a volunteer at the town library, and an active member of her church, serving as a Deacon and Trustee. She moved from Medfield in 1996to Lighthouse Point, FL. Once she arrived, she became an active member of her community serving as a Stephen Minister at the First Presbyterian Church. She was also a volunteer at the Lighthouse Point public library. Once she moved from there to John Knox Village she became an active resident joining the book club, becoming a volunteer ambassador to new residents, and volunteer at the front desk. Her interests included reading, knitting, volunteering and being a good friend to those she met. A celebration of life will be at the First Presbyterian Church (the Pink Church) in Lighthouse Point on July 17thwith internment at Oakland Cemetery in Medway on July 25th. In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to the First Presbyterian Church, the Epilepsy Foundation, Trust bridge Hospice, or the Heart Association.