Gretchen Gail Gilmore, 79, of St. Joseph, passed away on Monday, March 19, 2018, at her home.
A Celebration of life themed “take me out to the ballgame” will be held at 5:30 PM on Thursday, March 29, 2018, at Plank’s Tavern located at the Inn at Harbor Shores. In Gretchen’s honor, please wear your best baseball attire. A final dedication will be held in September with her best friends, “the Girls of Sunshine” (SJHS class of 1956). In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Southwest Michigan in memory of her beloved dogs, Bruiser, Slugger, Fenway, Cubbie, Rookie, Wrigley and Charlie. Those wishing to sign Gretchen’s memory book online may do so at www.starks-menchigner.com.
Gretchen was born on June 28, 1938, to the late Ross and Margaret (Fellows) Gilmore in St. Joseph, MI. She graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1956. Gretchen took great pride in graduating from Stevens College. She was very active in the home town she loved. She served the community in many ways over the years, including the YWCA, Executive Director of Blossomtime, Southwest Michigan Airport Board and owner of the Red Balloon in Stevensville. She was also a member of First Congregational Church in St. Joseph. Gretchen enjoyed volunteering, quilting, other creative activities and especially her prized red mums. She was a lifelong Chicago Cubs fan, often listening to all of their games on the radio so she could hear everything that was happening. Gretchen even founded Good Sports Tours so she could attend Cub’s games with other local fans. After many years she was finally able to enjoy a World Series Championship in 2016. Most of all, she loved her family and friends.
Gretchen is survived by her daughter, Sally (Michael) Sierra of Tampa, FL; son, Bill (Suzy) Schalon of Maryland; grandchildren, Michael Sierra Jr. and Evan Schalon and many other nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Bill Gilmore.