Hi,

I knew Gretchen well. I stayed with her family for 9 months in Edina, Minnesota in 1970 - 1971. Her parents Bill Brandow and Ruth Asleson and children Gregg, andTim ("The Twins"),  Mark, Todd.

Mark and Gretchen didn't live at home at the time. Mark sometimes visited as he studied in Minneapolis. Gretchen was abroad being in the Peace Corpse with her husband Peter. 

I got to meet and know Gretchen later in life. I visited her and her husband's house in Rome (I was accoumpanied by my daughter Lisanne), which was located near the Colosseum.

I got to know Gretchen as a nice lady who knew her own mind who wrote books about women's lib, poverty and development aid. I was envious of her great marriage with Peter. They had known each other their whole life.

I remember Peter was always encouraging her to eat (better) and how Gretchen cheated him with this. Peter is a great man.

After Rome we kept contact using email.

I miss Gretchen and hope Peter is still doing well.

Wim van Beurden
Capelle aan den IJssel
The Netherlands

I missed 

Gretchen was the Secretary for the Pax Romana chapter in Rome while I was Regent. She was wonderfully supportive and did a beautiful job in her role. We enjoyed her sense of humour and experience during our meetings. She was a very fair person and wanted all to get along and be happy. I enjoyed her friendship and brought her to NSDAR Constitution Hall during Continental Congress, a new experience for her! I'm so grateful to have known Gretchen, she touched our lives in a positive and helpful way. I will remember her smile. We miss you Gretchen and send condolences to her husband and cherished children.

Peter Seth Claire

Saw the obituary today and instantly the memories of working with  your wonderful mother in Peace Corps Washington during the early 70's came to mind.  I saw in her then a purpose and determination to make the world a better place for those who are in most need of help. Reading about the many things she accomplished, in her lifetime, gives evidence that she did not fall short but excelled in ways that are measured by those who worked and were impacted by her dedication. 

I first met Gretchen in the early 1990's in Nepal at a WID conference. I was a young gender specialist early in my career and Gretchen took me under her wing and has been an inspiration to be ever since. Her energy, joie de vivre, and sense of adventure were ever present each time we met.  She will be greatly missed, but I think I can best honor her by living life fearlessly and fully, as she did.

Gretchen was one of those invincible forces of nature that could not be denied. Peter and Gretchen were literally the first two people we met in Rome after we relocated from Islamabad in 1998. Finding our common themes from Peace Corps to USAID to WFP led to many enjoyable evenings lingering over aperitivi and dreaming of adventures to come. She managed to live out those dreams in real-time. Gretchen was our energetic connector who truncated the six degrees of separation to just one, evidenced by all of these heartfelt messages from around the world. Her irrepressible energy will power her lovelight forever. We send our deepest condolences to Peter, Seth, Claire, and the entire family.
Robin Landis & Jeff Marzilli

"Gretchen's Blooms" -- Created in remembrance of our dear friend, a force of nature who sowed seeds of love, peace, equality, justice, and joy around the world.


Gretchen was always bursting through the door with life. Kathy Braga connected me with Gretchen when I was in grad school doing gender studies work. Gretchen was an incredible mentor and friend to me, introducing me to her huge network, sending me events and ways to get involved, and supporting my grad school group with our final project on gender studies. I was even lucky enough to get on the Christmas card list! I could tell just how deeply she loved her family and how proud she was of all of them. Her spirit and energy will be missed. 

The news of Gretchen’s passing is a huge blow.  Our hearts go out to Peter, Seth and Christina, and Claire and Matt.  My fondest memory of Gretchen was in Afghanistan where she made it a point to always run the hash, security permitting! Gretchen gathered friends wherever she lived (or even just visited for a short time). From Afghanistan to Italy to South Africa to Haiti to the United States, I always found Gretchen in a whirlwind of activity never seeming to rest and always on a mission of go go go. She epitomized how life should be lived: full of love and generosity. Gretchen was infused with a rare level of kindness that was infectious. I always felt a little better about humanity whenever I was within Gretchen’s sphere. Once, when visiting a school for young girls in Kabul, I remember how their faces lit up the moment Gretchen entered the room. We feel blessed to have been her friend. Dana and Rob Rose

I will always remember Gretchen's infectious spirit and love for life. I am so happy that our paths crossed & will be forever grateful that we enjoyed bread and jam from your favorite farmers market stall the week before you passed. Thank you for sharing all of stories of your awesome children and grandchildren, and sharing all of your photo albums with me. Thank you for being my friend and showing me what feminism looks like in practice. Thank you for your friendship and cheerful company. Sending my thoughts to Peter and the rest of the Bloom's. 
 -Kayla


Gretchen and I were in the same Peace  Corps training group in 1966 preparing to teach secondary school in Francophone West Africa. She was assigned to Togo and I to Ivory Coast (now Cote d'Ivoire). I didn't know her well in those nervous days while we all feared de-selection but did visit her and some of her colleagues in Togo during a school break. I recall that even then I marveled at her energy and many good ideas about teaching. 

After serving several tours with USAID, I returned to USAID/Washington where I met Peter Bloom and in short order, Gretchen. What a pleasant surprise!! Over the years my wife, Nancy, and I became friends with the Blooms and took full advantage of their renowned hospitality. visiting with them in Rome and in Newport.  I gradually became aware of Gretchen's work in Women in Development with the UN and as a consultant. She worked in several countries, including Nigeria, with my wife, Nancy, and became my "go-to" expert for the growing number of young people (mostly women) who I met wanting to enter that field of work. 
When Gretchen and Peter moved to Washington, we always gravitated to them to chat and catch up at USAID Alumni events, and inevitably, would spend much of the event learning about all of their activities, good works and extraordinary children.  Gretchen was always a beacon of light and energy that attracted us and so many other friends.  We will remember and revere her as long as we live and we hope that she gets the recognition she deserves from the UN and others for her ground breaking leadership in the field of Women in Development. 


Dear Gretchen,
We were supposed to meet this year for the vendemmia at Bagnoregio, that's what we solemnly agreed after over a months of WhatsApp conversations... You agreed, without even knowing me, to help me with my university thesis last September. From the moment we connected something magical happened, it was more than just an interview on the way to 2020 US Presidential elections, it was a heart connection and an exchange of opinions without filters. I remember thinking that yours was an extraordinary energy, and that your life was so clearly full of happiness and joy. From all the comments I see it was very well deserved. I hope to meet you in another life and to spend more time together. Thanks so much for all the help, commitment and friendship that you showed me. May your soul rest in eternal peace. Condolences to your loved ones. Sabrina

Dearest Gretchen.  
We will miss you so much.. You were always so alive, bursting with energy and enthusiasm.  Ready to do ten things at once; sailing on tall ships,  climbing mountains ..writing perfect 'minutes'  for our AN meetings and  editing the Newsletters...you were my  wonderful friend and colleague over many years.
May God bless you.

Penny

Dear Gretchen,

You are no longer with us but I am sure you know from Heaven what a sad time this is for your family and friends.
Do you remember when we met at WFP in 1997as we were united in our fight for gender equality? It was instant friendship as your happy, lively and enthusiastic smile was contagious. As I left WFP and you took over, you continued this battle for gender equality and achieved so much. We reunited in Afghanistan and, despite some time away from one another, that sparkling commitment was there. You have done so much for women all over the world and you will be sorely missed by them, your friends and family. As I am just coming out of bereavement, having lost my niece, I feel sadder because of your loss. But I know that you are enjoying rest and serenity in Heaven until we meet again. Fatiha

Dear Peter and family,
The illumination that Gretchen shared in every space she inhabited was a vibrant, colorful, warm, sparkly light, full of energy.  In Gretchen’s presence, we all basked in that light.  Her energy was infectious and her commitment was unwavering.  She was a role model of dedication and a principled and ethical leader. At WFP, she led us in the effort to be inclusive of women in all aspects of our work. More recently, she was still striving to insure that the voices of women and girls were heard and respected, and that the history of WFP’s work in this area was recorded. I am so grateful to have lived in the midst of the beautiful light that Gretchen generously shared with the world.  She deserves her restful peace. Thank you Gretchen.  Catherine Bertini

I'm so saddened to hear that Gretchen left us. The first time I met her was in Haiti when we were working together on a project. I was impressed by her energy and enthusiasm and admired for her professional dedication and passion on trying to help people. She will remain a source of inspiration for many and will be terribly missed.
After a week long training session she conducted in Haiti she invited us to go dancing. That 's how I' ll remember Gretchen. Please accept my sincere condolences for your loss.
Monique 
Paris - France 

Gretchen and I were colleagues at the UN World Food Programme. I will always associate gender and women’s issues at WFP with Gretchen. Thank you a Gretchen for all that you did to move forward those conversations and to give us the platform we needed to not only influence our programme design but our HR policies as well. After retirement we continued to interact in Rome politically - the Democratic breakfast when Obama was elected comes to mind. And we also worked on some projects for the WFP Alumni. That energy and passion will be missed by many but your legacy lives on. I am so sorry you left us so soon.  Condolences to Peter and family. 

I met Gretchen this fall. I immediately adored her. I don't know if I have ever met someone so full of life. We had much in common: similar travels, family background, love of crew, feminist ideals. She invited me to her lovely home for breakfast with her and Peter the week that she passed. That day, she said she was so fatigued that she only had time for one activity a day, and that day the activity was me. I felt so honored. I am so sad to have lost my new friend, but very grateful that I had the opportunity to experience her infectious zest for life. 

Though I met Gretchen when she was in her 70's  I thought she would live forever. She was always  bursting at the seams with ideas, people. dreams and visions for the world.  When she decided to join our Dining for Women chapter I had no idea what luck was about to befall us.  All of a sudden she and her fan base were "frequent fliers". She would scoop people up and place them in our meetings  and we would all be enthralled by her stories and admire her energizer bunny stamina.  She seemed to run on double D's while the rest of us were triple A's.  It is so hard to believe she is gone and I now picture her as a beautiful bird soaring to the sun. 
To Peter and family who have to face life without Gretchen we have no idea what you are going through but know you are not alone in your vast grief. 

I first got to know the Blooms back in the early 80s, when I worked with Peter in USAID and our kids were students together at the International School of Kenya.  We cemented a lasting friendship on family safaris and social times at each others' homes.  Our friendship continued with working together in DC and visiting the Blooms around the world.  I always linked Peter and Gretchen as one, seeing them as a unity.  It is so sad to know that the togetherness they had has to move to a different dimension, but do know Gretchen will always be here in all our hearts and minds.


My husband and I met Gretchen last summer when we shared a wonderful adventure in Bhutan. Gretchen was always up before the sun to get in her run ( at Himalayan altitudes), and partied with whomever could stay up with her late at night. She was full of questions and observations about the women and humanitarian organizations we visited. I’ll never forget her glee at finding and modeling beautiful native dress, and her triumph at cresting the top of our long climb to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery. She was truly a SuperWoman for feminist causes who exhibited a most powerful joie de vivre. We are so happy to have met her, and send our condolences to her beloved family.
Mark and Marie Greenbaum

I was so very sad to hear of Gretchen’s passing. Although I didn’t not know her very well, I have a wonderful memory of the lovely day we spent together in Newport last year. Her warmth and  graciousness  were captivating.  Her adventurous spirit infused every description of her travels and interests. We met through a mutual friend and were slated to work together on some projects in Africa. I looked forward with great anticipation to getting to know her better and sharing some of those adventures.
My heartfelt sympathy and deepest condolences to her family and friends. 

I first met Gretchen and Peter on my Honeymoon in Rome. My husband Chris and the Blooms were friends, having met while my husband was a waiter in Rhode Island. While in Italy the Blooms graciously invited us into their beautiful apartment in the heart of Rome and served us Prosecco and assorted goodies. It was a gathering we would repeat several times over the years back in the states, most recently in RI. 

I think what struck me most about Gretchen was how warm, inviting and open she was. She  was exciting. She could speak on practically any subject and was full of life and vibrance. She was a ball of pure energy.  She was exciting to be around, quick to laugh and had an infectious smile. She also loved photos and taking pictures with her family and friends. Needless to say, I will miss her and  I admired her. The world certainly was a little brighter with Gretchen in it. 

Au revoir Weather Goddess!
Everybody knew her as Gretchen. But for the many of us who got to know her in Rome and admire her energy, legendary smile and love for others, she was simply “Weather Goddess”!  
We last saw each other in October 2019 when I was invited to stay at their beautiful home in Washington DC. Along with her loving and devoted Peter, we shared so many fond moments together: whether dining at her favorite restaurant in Dupont Circle, taking a stroll down in Georgetown or at her favorite local fresh produce market, or joining in Peter’s excitement as the Washington Nationals finally won their historic World Series. She also excitedly shared her plans to throw a big party at their Casale in Italy for their 50th Golden Wedding anniversary. The invitations went out: I saved the date on my calendar: 20 June 2020! 
Weather Goddess was also the traditional end of the year “state of the union” travel log, updating us on her various family events and coming together. But also sharing her amazing travels and adventures in faraway and exciting places, either around the globe or closer to home in DC, Newport, RI or Minnesota.  
Weather Goddess was so full of energy and I particularly admired her commitment, her political engagement and her devotion to helping empower and improve the lives of women around the world. I recall her excitement when she joined the Hillary Clinton election campaign to advocate for women. Not only was she an inspiration to many, but she also had the capacity to touch the lives of so many people regardless of their race, color or religion.
You left us too soon Weather Goddess. I’m grateful that I got to know you and to having shared with you so many fond and memorable moments between Rome, Goat Island or Washington DC. 
Sending my condolences, love and prayers to Peter and their children Seth and Claire. 
In deep sympathy.
Fawzi Rihane & family
Berlin, Germany


Gretchen's passing is an immense loss to all of us; she was passionate; energetic; warm; enthusiastic and an example to be followed. I owe my career with the UN WFP to her.  She spotted my CV among a big pile, curious about my bachelor research in India, a country she worked in. I soon started an internship in the WFP Gender Unit, headed by Gretchen, and from that moment onward she was my mentor, encouraging me to study for a master and to pursue field experiences,  but most of all she instilled in me her passion for gender issues and humanitarian work. Her legacy will live with me forever! I   have many joyful memories with Gretchen and her lovely family in Rome, Pakistan, Jerusalem. The world was never to big for her!  I will miss you deeply. Caterina

Gretchen had boundless energy and was an inspiration to us all.  She was so enthusiastic about everything she undertook...and that was many, many things.  I remember her mentoring Peace Corps volunteers in Sri Lanka, running with hash house harriers, rowing on the Potomac, sailing in RI, jetting off to Rome for consulting work...  We had a long lunch together in Washington about a year ago, for which I am now especially grateful.   I will miss her, but I hope to see Peter when he feels able.  I -- along with many others -- am here for him.

Gretchen and Peter were summer friends at Goat Island in Newport, RI.

Gretchen was the most capable, kind, generous woman in the world,  We had some great times together.  She will be missed.

In 1984 I climbed Mt Kenya with Peter and Gretchen, which probably places me high on her list of friends.   In 1988, our family visited the Blooms in Sri Lanka.  It was a wonderful visit, despite the civil war and the occasional whiff of tear gas.  Sri Lankan hoppers were memorable! The breakfast hoppers we ordered at the beach were the hottest food I have eaten in the world! Got to spend some time with the Blooms in Newport and of course, sailing on the Chesapeake.   Also had a chance to host Seth during his clown college days in Baraboo, WI and enjoyed an early private show which thrilled my children.  The world has lost one of it's best.  We have so many wonderful memories of our time together. 
Pete, hang in there--she would demand it! 
Love to all the Blooms, come visit.

Lou and Judi Janowski

Dear Peter, 
My deepest condolences to you and your family.  I was very saddened to hear of Gretchen's sudden passing and will keep you in my prayers.
Moses

Gretchen was a whirlwind – always taking every opportunity to improve the lives of people worldwide and to promote women’s empowerment, both as a professional and as a volunteer.  She was an inspiration to all of us, whether rowing crew or dining for women, or taking political action, or supporting family.  Few people could claim to have touched as many lives.  Sending condolences to Peter, Seth and Claire and families.

Dear Peter and family, 

please accept our deepest condolences.

Gretchen was a feminist and an intellectual through and through. 

With much love,

The Webster-Saxberg family

Gretchen is one of the most remarkable women I have ever known. We met through our girl children. She was a parent constantly and energetically sharing parenting activities with the children, in the most caring, creative and authentic ways. She was Ever-Giving, a presence of love. Not a thought for herself; always for others. We love and admire and honor you, Gretchen. Always. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. 

Gretchen was always quick to smile and talk whenever we saw each other. I enjoyed our walks to the bike rack after GKRC practices.  We didn't always agree on things but we could always talk and be friends. The team has lost a significant member and I have lost a dear friend. My thoughts and prayers are with you. She will be missed!

I recall gretchen from the time she was in colombo in the early nineties with peter at usaid colombo as a staffer at  usaid i have had several occasions to interact with her where she was unfailingly pleasant or a gracious hostess

OBITUARIO

Gretchen Brandow Bloom

6 septiembre, 1943 – 24 febrero, 2020

Joseph Gawler’s Sons, LLC

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