Gretchen Anne (Werner) (Gawler) Boosinger, age 85, of Bradenton, FL, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 16, 2019 in Jacksonville FL. Her parents were George H. Werner and Oriana (Chasmar) Werner. She is predeceased by her 2nd husband Glenn Boosinger and her loving companion Richard Reinhard Sr.
Gretchen was born July 2, 1934 in Washington D.C. and spent her childhood in York, PA and Chevy Chase, MD. Gretchen graduated from Southern Seminary Junior College in VA earning a 2-year degree in teaching for Kindergarten and Nursery School. She also attended St. Lawrence University in Canton, NY working towards a degree in Education. Gretchen married William C. Gawler and became a military wife for 20 years, living all over the U.S. and overseas. After divorcing she then settled in Fort Walton Beach, FL in 1975 and in 1979 moved to Bradenton FL, where she was a longtime resident until her recent move to Jacksonville, FL to be nearer to family. She married Glenn Boosinger in 1988 and was married until his death in 1994. She then spent 10 loving years with Dick Reinhard until his passing.
Besides being a full-time housewife and mother, during her adult life Gretchen held various jobs over the years. She was a Red Cross swimming instructor and lifeguard, a preschool teacher, she worked in retail customer service and then remained in the banking field for many years, retiring in 1988. She was an avid traveler, expert bridge player and bowler. She also loved gardening, loved to dance, as well as the beach, boating and cheering for her beloved Florida Gators. She also was an active board member for many years for Wildewood Springs in Bradenton. Above all, she valued family and was a loving daughter, mother, wife, grandmother and friend.
She is survived by her sister Susan Marsden of Derwood, MD; her daughter, Gretchen Gawler Schick, retired school teacher and her husband CAPT Sam Schick, USN, retired, of San Antonio, TX and her three sons; Col. Steven H. Gawler, USAF, retired, and Jet Blue Pilot and his wife Teena Alexander Gawler of Ocala, FL; Col. William C. Gawler, Jr., USMC, retired, and his wife Kathy Fitzpatrick Gawler of Ponte Vedra FL, and Lt. Scott A. Gawler, Orlando Fire Department, retired, and his wife Michelle Rainaldi Gawler of Winter Garden, FL. She is also survived by 9 grandchildren, Jennifer, Bill III, Christopher, Samantha, Alison, Casey, Scott Jr., Kyle, Oriana, as well as 5 step grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren (and a 3rd arriving in 2020) and 2 step great grandchildren. She is also survived by 1 niece, 2 nephews, and 3 cousins.
The service will be held at The Beaches Chapel by Hardage-Giddens in Jacksonville, FL on Sunday November 24 at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be in Bradenton on November 30. In honor of Gretchen’s favorite color please wear a splash of yellow if possible.
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