Jean Lillian Gretzler, age 76, died at the Golden Living Center in Cambridge Springs, PA on Friday, April 10, 2009. Born on September 29, 1932 in McKees Rocks, PA, she was a daughter of the late Thomas James Walker and Hilda Burnham Walker. A resident of Cambridge Springs, PA since 1978, she had been in the nursing home since January of this year. Married to Donald Chapman in 1950 who died in 1960, Jean subsequently married Albert Nickolay in 1961. Following that marriage she married Kenyon Gretzler in 1977 and he died the following year.
A practical nurse, Jean received her degree from Meadville Vo-Tech School in 1974 and was employed at the San Rosario Nursing Home in Cambridge Springs from 1978 until 1980. She was a member of the Cambridge Springs Presbyterian Church and while in better health was actively engaged at the Cambridge Springs Senior Citizens. She was a former member of the Cambridge Springs Rod and Gun Club and was a former member of the Edinboro Rebekahs Lodge. Some time ago she also was active with the Cambridge Area Volunteer Ambulance Service. Jean enjoyed sewing, crocheting, cards, and fishing.
Surviving Jean are two daughters – Karen Kelly and her husband, William of Port Saint Lucie, FL and Nancy Nikolay of Sandy Lake, PA, and a son – David Nikolay of Meadville; three sisters – Marion McGill of Riverview, MI; Joan King of Pittsburgh; Evenlyn Harper of MI; a brother – Jack Walker of Pittsburgh; five grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Also included are several nieces and nephews including Jeanette Beggs of Hadley, PA. Preceding in death were two sisters – Hilda Blanton and Hazel Harvey; and a brother -Thomas Walker.
Friends may call Monday from 6-8 at the Van Matre Family Funeral Home in Cambridge Springs and are invited to attend funeral services there 8:00 pm. Reverend Jerry Whitmore, pastor of the Cambridge Springs Presbyterian Church will officiate. Interment will be at Mount Calvary Cemetery in McKees Rocks, PA on Tuesday.
Rest in peace grandma, I love you and I miss you very much.