Gretchen P. Chadwick, 82 of Ambler, PA passed away peacefully at The 501 at Mattison Estate on Friday, April 24, 2026.

Gretchen was born in New Castle, PA to the late Ralph and Jennie (nee: Raymond) Preston on March 12, 1944. She graduated from New Castle High School in 1962. She went on to earn an associate’s degree from Youngstown State University. She was in medical office and hospital administrator for over thirty years, primarily in patient services, first at Hahnemann Hospital and then Einstein Hospital for over 15 years. She enjoyed gardening and tending to her hydrangeas, cooking and spending time with her grandchildren. She especially loved watching red carpet shows and Dancing with Stars then chatting with her granddaughters about it. An original soccer mom since the 70’s, Gretchen has witnessed hundreds of youth soccer, baseball, basketball, ice hockey and rugby games, swim meets, plays and dance recitals over the past fifty years. She was very active in her son’s athletic careers and was involved in leading the soccer and rowing parents’ clubs at La Salle College High School. In later years she volunteered at the Salvation Army’s Kroc Center in Philadelphia.

Gretchen is survived by her sons M. Ray Branscome III of Bridgeport, PA; Chris Branscome (Lisa) of Lafayette Hill, PA; Geoff Branscome (Carolyn) Oxford, PA; Ken Chadwick , Jr (Sue) Phoenix, AZ and Brian Chadwick (Gitta) of London, UK; as well as her 9 grandchildren Grace and Catie Branscome, Amanda, Marlie and Julia Branscome, M. Ray Branscome IV, Karlie and Kelton Chadwick and Ellie Chadwick. She is preceded in death by her parents Ralph and Jennie Preson, brother Raymond Preston, first husband M. Ray Branscome Jr, and second husband Kenneth Chadwick Sr.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Gretchen’s visitation from 10 AM to 11 AM at Kirk and Nice Funeral Home on Monday, May 4, 2026, where fond memories can be shared. A celebration of life will be held at 11 AM, Pastor Sandra Brown will be officiating.

Gretchen will be laid to rest at George Washington Memorial Park.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to staff at The 501at Mattison and Ennoble Hospice Care.