Gretchen F McClenny

Gretchen Frye McClenny, 91, passed away peacefully at home on November 25, 2025, surrounded by her adoring husband of 61 years, Carl, her children and grandchildren. Born in Lake Forest, Illinois on February 16, 1934 to Arta Aileen and Jason William Frye, Gretchen was their only daughter and apple of her daddy’s eye. The family moved to Ft. Worth, Texas where Gretchen spent most of her young life, graduating from Paschal High School and then attending Rice University in Houston, graduating in 1956. At Rice, she was a member of the Owls Literary Society, was selected as a Rice beauty and generally had a wonderful time, always telling stories of her life in the boarding house with all of her friends, most of whom continued to be her dearest held friends the rest of her life. While attending Rice University, she met Frank King Bruce, Jr., and they married in 1956. Their son, Frank, was born in 1957 and their daughter, Laura, in 1960. In 1962, Frank died in a car accident and Gretchen’s world was turned upside down. But God had plans for Gretchen and Carl. They had been high school sweethearts, but he had gone into the Navy during the Korean War as she went off to Rice. God turned Gretchen’s grief and loss into a new beginning. She and Carl married in 1964 in Houston and in 1966, their daughter Mary was born to round out the family.

Gretchen and Carl built a beautiful life, surrounded by amazing friends and a street full of kids in Briargrove. They were founding members of St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, where Gretchen was a member of the Altar Guild and Carl sang in the choir. They raised the kids there and the generations continue their spiritual journeys with St. Martin’s. She enjoyed her time as a volunteer for the Assistance League of Houston. She also made lifelong friends in two different bridge clubs that played monthly for over 30 years. Gretchen became “Mimi” and quite possibly her finest role in life had begun. She lovingly doted on all 10 of her grandchildren, making sure she soaked in all the time she could, making beautiful needlework treasures for all, always wanting to give a piece of herself. She took her abilities as a mom and took it to the next level with the grandkids. She passed on her strong family dedication, traditional values, and her hysterical sense of humor. Precious memories were made and will be cherished forever. She also passed on a great love of animals, her beloved dogs and cats over the years were like children to her, and she passed with her pup Lily literally by her side.

Gretchen is survived by her amazing and devoted husband and best friend, Carl; her children, Frank Bruce and his wife Karen; Laura Jenkins and her husband Steve; and Mary Schneider and her husband Greg. She is also survived by her 10 precious grandchildren, Geoffrey Bruce, Jared Bruce, Trevor Bruce, Elliott Jenkins, Philip Jenkins, Charles Jenkins, Gretchen Schneider, Abby Schneider, Emme Schneider, and Sophie Skye Schneider, and 5 great grandchildren. She was so happy for and adoring of her grandchildrens' spouses, their loves, and children and the lives that they are making. God truly blessed her with her large, greatly loved family and she was a cherished blessing to us all. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Bill.

The family would like to thank the staff of Angels Over Us and specifically Donna Elcar, her personal caregiver, for her extraordinary, devoted and compassionate care of Mimi. Her many hours of love and kindness given to Mimi and the whole family were impressive and we were blessed to have her and her beautiful spirit with us daily. We would also like to thank Doctor’s Choice for their loving and professional care and her hospice nurses, especially Chelsea and Michelle, who came in in the last month and were generous, supportive and comforting to the whole family. And thank you Dr. John Roff for his spiritual guidance and for providing communion for Carl and Gretchen at home over the last year. The family will have a private graveside service and at a future date there will be a celebration of life for Gretchen. In lieu of usual remembrances, donations in Gretchen’s name may be made to St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, 717 Sage Road, Houston, Texas 77056 (noting in memory of Gretchen McClenny), or to a charity of your choice.