UPDATED 1/17 with full obituary: Gretchen M. Stanland met the Lord on Saturday, January 13th.
She was born August 4, 1938, in New Britain, the daughter of Helen and Clement Marsh. Gretchen grew up and stayed in New Britain, graduating from New Britain high-school in 1956 along with her predeceased husband, Andrew Stanland. In Boston, she gained her Bachelor of Arts from Simmons College and continued on to receive her Master’s Degree from Central Connecticut State University. Her first job was teaching second grade students. Being an English teacher brought her great joy, yet she soon found her true calling – ministry. After growing up attending services at the South Church in New Britain, she decided to attend Yale Divinity School and was ordained. She always felt fortunate doing God’s work, and found serving at the Somersville Congregational Church, as well as the South Lyme Chapel, in Old Lyme, as open and enriching. Gretchen even brought together a community in Donkwe Donkwe, Zimbabwe, traveling there in 1990, along with members of her Somersville congregation.
She raised three children; David, Eric & Elizabeth, the last predeceasing her, as well as lovingly raising two granddaughters, Brianna & Noelle, whom she loved as her own. Once Gretchen retired from ministry, she settled back into her home in Old Lyme, and married her now deceased husband, Michael Tucchio.
She loved her life, her family, her church, and her husbands, and was grateful for all that she had.
Gretchen is survived by the above mentioned, as well as: sister Betty Russell; daughters-in-law Carol and Kim; grandchildren Wyatt, Lyla, Jared, McKenzie, Jordan & Kolyn; and nephews Robert & Marc. She encountered and embraced many other loved ones she met along her way.
The memorial calling hours will be held Saturday, January 20th at 3 p.m., at the Old Lyme Congregational Church, followed by a service at 4 p.m.
In lieu of gifts or flowers, Gretchen requested that donations be made to the Homeless Hospitality Center of New London or Southern Poverty Law Center.
The Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home, 48 Grand St., Niantic is assisting the family with the arrangements.
Gretchen was the kindest, most loving person I think I have ever met! I knew her from Masonicare where she last lived/passed away in. I was fortunate enough to give her a lot of hugs & watch her do her many walks every day before fall/winter set in this year…I am sooo sooo glad I got to watch & converse with her for almost 2 years since I started working @ Masonicare. May she be with her husband & daughter with smiles on their faces!!!! She will be truly missed❤️❤️