Gretchen A. Henz

Gretchen Ann (Lewis) Henz, age 80, of Bloomsburg, died at 6:20 p.m. Saturday, May 12, 2018, at the Bloomsburg Care & Rehabilitation where she resided for 10 years. She was under the care and supervision of several wonderful nurses and nursing assistants for the duration of her time as a patient.

Born on August 6, 1937 in Carbondale, she was the daughter of the late John  R., Jr. and Veronica (Ruanne) Lewis.  She was a 1955 graduate of Ben Franklin High School in Carbondale and then continued her education at East Stroudsburg State Teachers College.

Gretchen  was employed as a pharmacy assistant for various pharmacies in the Carbondale area.  She married Raymond Henz and relocated to the Harrisburg area where she resided for several years before relocating to Bloomsburg to be close to her family.

Shortly after the birth of her daughter, Gretchen was diagnosed with the debilitating disease, Multiple Sclerosis. Regardless of the disease, she never allowed it to cripple her positive outlook or enthusiasm. She loved life more than life itself.  She was blessed as a devout member of St. Columba Catholic Church, where she faithfully participated in Sunday Mass until her MS prevented her from attending.

Reading, Bingo and Pinochle were her favorite past times, but she always looked forward to the playful visits with her brothers and sisters. Gretchen spread much love and joy with open arms, a bright smile, and a sparkle in her eyes. Her generous spirit, jovial personality, and beautiful life will be cherished by many, but will be missed by more.

Gretchen is survived by her only daughter, Stacey Henz, wife of Robert Crockett, Etters; three grandchildren: Brittany Temple, Watsontown; Nicole Temple, Watsontown and Molly Temple, Etters; four siblings: John M. Lewis, and his partner Joan Mosier, Bloomsburg; Kathryn R., wife of Daniel A. Lostaglio, Berwick; Mary Jane, wife of Stephen C. Laubach, Berwick; Russell W. Lewis, widowed husband of Maria, Bloomsburg.

Also surviving are a nephew, Christopher M. Bachinger, and his wife Mary, Fairfax, Va.; two nieces: Gretchen A. Bachinger, Berwick and Stevi M., wife of Joseph Vandermark, Berwick; great nephew, Aaron Bachinger, and his wife Jennifer, Savannah, Ga.; great nephew, Matthew Bachinger, Denver, Co.; great niece, Kathleen Bachinger, Fairfax, Va.; great niece, Laurel Vandermark, Berwick; and great-nephew, Emmett Vandermark, Berwick.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, May 23, 2018, at 1 p. m. in St. Columba Catholic Church, 342 Iron Street, Bloomsburg, by her pastor, Monsignor Robert E. Lawrence.  The family will greet friends from 12-1 p. m. Graveside services and burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the Multiple Sclerosis Society, 1501 Reedsdale Street, Suite 105, Pittsburgh, PA 15233.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Dean W. Kriner, Inc., Funeral Home, 325 Market Street, Bloomsburg.