Gretchen Van Houten Partridge, 85
Falmouth, Mass.
Gretchen Van Houten Partridge peacefully passed away March 26, 2022, three days after suffering a massive stroke.
Gretchen was born on April 24, 1936. She grew up in Summit, N.J. where, as a Girl Scout, she laid wreathes in Memorial Day Parades, a tradition she continued, representing the Falmouth Garden Club at both Memorial and Veteran Day celebrations.
Gretchen’s family moved to Darien, Conn., where Gretchen grew up on Long Island Sound sailing a Lightning, graduated from high school, attended college, and moved to Boston. She married Peter H. Partridge on June 18, 1958. Their nearly 64-year marriage had them living in Guam where the oldest child was born, Wellesley, Sherborn and ultimately West Falmouth, Mass., in 1998.
Wherever she lived, Gretchen was volunteering and co-chairing. She was actively involved with her children’s schools, local libraries, garden clubs, Wildcat Ski Club, both the Buzzards and Chapoquoit Yacht Clubs, Cape Cod Curling Club and any event that needed an extra set of hands.
She served as an officer and president of both the Sherborn and Falmouth Garden Clubs.
Gretchen loved entertaining, whether on the slopes, water and beach, or at her dining-room table. Her family and friends could forever count on an excellent meal and good party. She took pride in her decorations – no matter the holiday or occasion – but especially Christmas. Each decoration had a story and was cherished.
In addition to her husband, Peter, Gretchen is survived by her children, Ellen H. (Glen) Pulsford, Lisa P. Ramsbottom, and Andrew B. (Haley) Partridge, grandchildren Spencer, Taylor, Nathaniel, Melissa, Siena, Jasper, Hazel, and great-grandchildren Samuel and Wyatt. She is also survived by sisters Debera V.H. Barnes, Katrine Van Houten (Matsatani), sister-in-laws Elizabeth P. Heald and Joan K. Partridge, a large, wonderful group of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, as well as a tremendous, loving and cherished group of dear friends.
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