Gretel Sternberg Coursol

Gretel Sternberg Coursol, also affectionately known as Grammy, passed away surrounded with love and care at age 92 on August 21, 2026. Born January 25, 1934, in Jacksonville, Florida, Gretel was the oldest child of Walter and Madeline Sternberg, a name she chose to keep as a part of her own name as a testament to her parents’ love.

In her early years, Gretel took to the skies as a pilot after graduating from Stephens College in Missouri, with an Airman’s Pilot License and Associates degree in Air Traffic and Art. She was featured on the front page of the November 1953 issue of *Cessquire*, the official magazine published by the Cessna Aircraft Company. It was a moment that captured something real about her - she had a deep sense of courage and curiosity. She did not merely watch life pass; she met it head-on.

After being widowed from her husband, Air Force Major Ben Knight at 26 with three children and while raising four more kids from her second marriage to Jerry Coursol, Gretel went back to college and earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Miami while working at the University’s Sylvester Cancer Center. Gretel brought diligence and steadiness to her work, retiring after 22 years as a Facilities Administrator. Those who knew her professionally recognized gifts that were both rare and deeply useful—phenomenal computing, technology, research and organizational skills that she carried out with care, consistency, and compassion. In recognition of her self-proclaimed OCD, she was also given the title of Anal-Retentive List Keeper (A.R.L.K.) by her children.

Above all, Gretel held her family and friends close. She loved the people in her life dearly, with a tenderness that made people feel cherished simply by knowing her. Her humor was part of that love—warm, quick, witty and often accompanied by the beautiful smile for which she was known. She loved to laugh, and in doing so, made room for others to breathe a little easier.

Mom’s sense of wonder and curiosity served her well. She loved to travel, visiting and living in many countries as part of being a young Air Force wife and mother. She also loved taking trips with her family over her lifetime, gathering not just miles but memories—moments that deepened her already innate understanding of people and places. Her kind-hearted nature extended naturally to animals, too; she cared deeply about their safety and well-being, always wanting to ensure they were protected and looked after.

In Surprise, Arizona, where she lived for almost three decades, Gretel stayed connected through involvement in many groups, including P.E.O., the Computer/Tech Club and Flight SIG at the Grand. She also volunteered at the Surprise Police Department as an Auxilliary Administrator. She showed up, participated, and proved that belonging is something you build, gently and faithfully, over time.

She leaves a legacy that is both luminous and intimate: a wealth of wisdom, fun memories, sassy secrets, and a life lived fully. She inspired others to be present in the moment, to say yes to new experiences, and to remember that joy is not a luxury—it is a way of honoring the days we are given.

Gretel leaves behind two surviving children, Madeline Knight of Gainesville, Florida and her children, Chris Knight and Heather Bennett; Walt Coursol and son-in-law Chad Hernandez of North Hollywood, California; her sister Marion Nicoll (Jim) of Surprise, Arizona and sons Steve (Heather) and Jeff (Maura) Nicoll.

Grammy was also adored by her grandchildren Audrey and Ava Knight, Nina and Ella Bennett, Damien (Nadine) Knight and Jamie Lynn Larsen, and numerous great-grandchildren. Mom has always cherished the memories of those family members who predeceased her: brother Robert “Skip” Sternberg, and sons Philip Knight and Eric Coursol, daughters Linda and Elizabeth Knight, stepsons Paul and John Coursol. She also valued her friendship with her PEO sisters and members of the “Lunch Bunch” and Flight SIG group.

Mom did not want a funeral or memorial service, but we ask that if you want to honor her in some way we would very much appreciate a donation to her hospice care team at Hospice of the Valley: https://hov.org/donate/. Alternatively, a donation to any organization leading the fight against dementia or dementia-related illnesses would be wonderful (e.g. the Dementia Society of America: https://www.dementiasociety.org).