Gretchen A. Grisbaum

Gretchen Alline Grisbaum passed away on Friday, August 30,2024 at the age of 54 after a long, courageous battle with cancer. Born August 20,1970, she was the beloved daughter of Beverly Means Grisbaum and the late Charles Grisbaum. Granddaughter of the late Paul and Alline Means and Charles and Evelyn Grisbaum. She is the sister of Ghant (Shawn), Garic (Jennifer) and Gevin (Keri); the aunt of Jackson and Walker Grisbaum and Lainey Roberts and the devoted life partner of Jan Tarantino.

Gretchen graduated from LSU with a BS in Anthropology with emphasis on Forensics in 1993 followed by a Master's degree in 1999. She presented numerous educational speeches and seminars on forensic investigation, forensic anthropology and forensic entomology. During an internship at the Smithsonian Institute, she coauthored publications with D.H. Ubelaker and J.W. Tessmer Meek. Gretchen graduated from Emory University School of Law in 2004. She worked many years for the Jefferson Parish Coroner's Office as an investigator. She also worked for a local law firm after receiving her law degree.

She was truly an amazing individual who always used her intellect and talents to the fullest extent. Always adventurous, Gretchen backpacked across Europe and North Africa. She taught us how to accept and respect all forms of life on this earth, foibles and all. We were blessed to have her. We will mourn and go on remembering God's mercy for lessons learned and thanking Him. She will be greatly missed by many, including her fur baby, Sasha.

A private Mass was held with immediate family and friends in attendance per Gretchen's wishes.

If you'd like to make a contribution in her honor, please do so to your charity of choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.LeitzEaganFuneralHome.com.