Gretchen Johanna Hollender
Gretchen Johanna Hollender age 71, of Quincy died on Friday, August 17, 2018 in her home. Gretchen was born on September 6, 1946 in Quincy a daughter of Robert & Eileen (McGee) Hollender.
Gretchen retired from her career as a psychiatric nurse at Blessing Hospital.
She spent many of those years following in her mother’s footsteps as a nurse at St. Mary Hospital. She was a graduate of Notre Dame High School.
Gretchen was known for her wonderful sense of humor. She was full-of-life and her warmth and energy would light-up the room. She loved spending time with her family and friends. She attended all of her nieces and nephew’s various activities throughout the years. Gretchen loved to shop, and as a result she was fondly referred to as “The Queen of Returns”.
She is survived by her siblings, Bobby (Sue) Hollender of Pattaya, Thailand; Michael Hollender of Quincy; Jeff Hollender of Liberty, MO and Carol Hollender of Quincy.
Nieces and nephews: Michele (Kevin) Stinnett; Angie (John) Gibson all of Quincy; Chris (Kathryn) Hollender of Columbia, MO; Jessica Hollender, Meredith (Kyle) Hawkins all of Belleville; great-nieces and nephews: Cory and Jamie Cook; Cohl Cook; McKensie Vahle, Sydne Stinnett; Sophia Munaco; Leo Hawkins; Elyse and Madeline Hollender and Jackson Schymik.
She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers James and Bill Hollender.
Cremation rites will be accorded. To honor Gretchen’s wishes, no services are planned.
Inurnment will be in Calvary Cemetery at a later date.
Memorials are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or to Blessing Foundation for Hospice.
To Gretchen’s family… there is not 1 person who will ever forget Gretchen. From high school to the many laughs we had in class, especially in those ugly gym suits, to the pranks we pulled. And all the high school reunions, where we ended a sentence at one reunion & started back with the next sentence the next reunion. And remembering when I was in labor with my 1st son & feeling nervous & scared… who pops in the room but “Gert”, with a smile on her face saying, let’s get this party started! Laughs were abundant. Gretchen, I know you have made Heaven the place to be! And you are making everyone happy! Say hi to all for us! Love ya, Rita
God, how lucky you are to have gotten this young beautiful angel so early in life. Prayers to the Hollender family. You will be greatly missed Dear Gretchen.
Gretch – praying that you find those you’ve missed smiling and open armed. That’s how I remember you. RIP
My condolences to the family. Even though we went to different high schools I knew Gretchen through Mary Moe. We sure had lots of fun. I saw her again when I was in Quincy a few years ago for a HS reunion.
Gretchen was a wonderful lady. A great classmate during Grade school and High school. She never knew a stranger. Peaceful rest my friend.
My sincere condolences to the family for your loss of a truly wonderful, beautiful woman both inside and out ! I worked with Gretchen for several years in which I truly enjoyed her funny personality, compassion for those she cared for and everything about her!! She would light up any room she entered and will be missed! Heaven gained another angel. ❤️
Gretchen was one of the most likeable and funniest ladies I ever met. I’ve not seen her since high school, but it looks like she continued her personality for all to share. My thoughts and prayers to the Hollender family.
Sympathy to all of the Hollender family, especially Bobby. Gretchen and I traveled to Denver several years ago and I’ve never forgotten his kindness towards me.
Gretchen was one of a kind. I had the pleasure to work evenings with her at St. Mary’s Hospital. She was an awesome nurse and cared deeply for her patients. She was especially wonderful to my sister, Mary Beth Obert (or Bethie as Gretchen called her). Our family was so fond of Gretchen. We truly appreciated the love and support that she showed towards all of my family during Mary’s illness and after her passing.
I thought so much of Gretchen that we named our daughter Gretchen in her honor. My heart is full of wonderful, special, funny, and emotional memories. Rest in Peace Dear Friend.
Love,
Alan & Rhonda (Obert) Koch
You’re in my thoughts and prayers, I’m glad I had the chance to know Gretchen she had such a fun loving smile
Gretchen was a special person who touched many lives. Our sympathy to her family
What a large party it would be today, to gather, remember and share stories about Gretchen “Gert” Hollender. There’s no room in Quincy large enough. My mere 33-year friendship with Gretchen was so special and meaningful to me and will forever be in my heart. FUN burst out of this little lady, with always the most beautiful face. From the first time I met her – wearing fishnet stockings and black stilettos “playing” a house maid at a party, to working with her at the 14th and Broadway Street Hospital Campus, to celebrating St. Patrick’s Day at Kelly’s Tavern singing The Unicorn Song – complete with the hand motions of the green alligators, long-necked geese, humpty backed camels and the chimpanzees. Never was there a dull moment when you were in her sincere presence, always caring about what was happening in your life, lending advice on how to handle this and that. Truly, vivacious Gretchen was the loveliest of them all. Generous, loving, kind and thoughtful. This we know for certain, Gert just catapulted entertainment to a whole new level in the heavens.
Prayers and sympathy to all the Hollender family, especially Bobby. Gretchen and I traveled to Denver several years ago and I have never forgotten his kindness to me. Gretchen was one of kind! I had the pleasure to work with her at St Mary’s. She was a wonderful nurse that cared deeply for her patients. She was especially wonderful to my sister, Mary Beth Obert ( or Bethie as Gretchen called her). Our family loved Gretchen. I thought so much of her that we named our daughter Gretchen Mary. My heart is full of so many special memories with Gretchen. Rest in peace dear friend! My love to all. Rhonda Koch
Carol so sorry for your loss. I only met your sister twice and she was such a down to earth nutty and fun lady. Thoughts and prayers are with your family
Carol & Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. We lost a great one in Gretchen. She was such a comfort to me at a time when I needed someone and I never forgot that. Her personality will be missed by all. She was an angel here on earth for several of us and now she is one of God’s angels. All my love,
Merry Morrison
Our thoughts are with the family. What a bright light in Gretchen. She will be missed…
My thoughts and prayers are with Gretchen’s family! I will never forget her spunk & zest for life! Gretchen was a fantastic co-worker who made the worst days fun! Love you Gretchen!!
Gretchen could light up a room with her smile and she was full of laughter. She will be greatly missed by many. Rest In Peace my friend.
Carol, Mike, Jeff we are so sorry for your loss our Hearts and Prayers are with All of you.
Deepest sympathy to all her family and friends. I am sure she is celebrating to the fullest just how she lived her life. She will be missed
A very special person and friend
Gretchen was a classy lady, always smiling and enjoying her life. She was our next door neighbor for many years. I’m so sad, but I will remember that smile forever.
Any night that Gretchen was working was like having a Saturday night live at st Mary hospital. Sorry to say good bye.
Gretchen was unique in all the world . All the class of CB/ND ’64 loved when Gretchen was with us and knew she would always raise our spirits, would always make us laugh, would always make us happy that she was with us. She will always be with us.
dear family, you are held dearly in our hearts, ❤anniebngreg
We are shocked and saddened to read this obit. She was a wonderful, happy, friendly person. Always a smile on her face. Lots of great memories at Kelly’s with her & brother Mike. She will be missed. Prayers for the entire family.
Sorry for your loss. I worked with Gretchen at St Mary Hospital many years ago.
So sorry for your loss of this beautiful lady. I will miss her when I see and talk to her while shopping. We met at hospital and alway called her Gorgeous Gretchen. God give u peace.
Jeff and Family – I am sorry for your loss – I wish you peace