Obituary of Gretchen K. Coward

SLINGERLANDS - Gretchen K. Coward, 89, passed away on Friday, January 6, 2017 at her residence. She was born in Beckley, West Virginia and was a long time resident of Rensselaerville and Slingerlands. Gretchen graduated from Knox School and Hood College. She was married to the late Francis P. Coward in March 1951 in Buffalo, where Gretchen continued to work as a medical secretary while her husband taught at Williamsville High School and they had two children. During WWII in Buffalo, Gretchen did volunteer work with the Red Cross, Cancer drives, the Blind and handicapped children. In 1962 Francis was assigned abroad with the United States Information Agency where Gretchen continued volunteer work with clinics in Madras, India 1963-1967 and Bangkok, Thailand 1968-1972. Upon returning to Rensselaerville, Gretchen volunteered at the Rensselaerville Library for 23 years; was a parishioner & active member of the Trinity Episcopal Church in Rensselaerville; Saint Paul's Episcopal Church in Albany and the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, DC. Gretchen was known for her wonderful conversations and warm hospitality. She kept in touch with numerous friends near and far who were considered her extended family. Gretchen's own family has always been her foremost focus. Gretchen is survived by her son Nicholas F. (Vicki) Coward of Alexandria, VA.; daughter Helen C. (Ron) Gresch of Baltimore, MD; five grandchildren Thomas, William, Harry and Kate Coward and Christopher Gresch; one sister Barbara (David) Shaw of Seattle, WA. A memorial service will be held in the spring at Trinity Episcopal Church in Rensselaerville. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Gretchen K. Coward to the Trinity Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 86, or the E.N. Huyck Preserve, P.O. Box 189, both in Rensselaerville, NY 12147 will be appreciated. Condolences may be sent to A.J. Cunningham Funeral Home, P.O. Box 146, Greenville, NY 12083. Light a candle at ajcunninghamfh.com