Passed away peacefully after a long illness at Ressam Gardens Long Term Care Home on April 9, 2026. Born in 1938 on October 5. Lovingly remembered by her son John Pretsch, daughter Julianna Pretsch and sister Barbara Leblanc. She enjoyed 47 years married to her late husband Edwin Pretsch.
Daughter of Nicholas and Margaret Roach. Gerry grew up in northern Ontario in the town of Iroquois Falls. She graduated from nursing school at the Hospital for Sick Children and later McGill University. Gerry lived in several cities throughout her life including Vancouver, London, Toronto; finally settling in Hamilton. She worked with the Lung Association and at Saint Joseph’s Hospital as a nurse educator here in Hamilton. Gerry was an avid bridge player, swimmer and naturalist.
Special thanks to Ressam Gardens Memory Care Community for their care and support.
A celebration of her life will be held at Markey-Dermody Funeral Home, 1774 King Street East, Hamilton, Ontario on Saturday, April 25th from 4pm-8pm. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada are welcome.
