Obituary of Gretchen H. Crowley

Gretchen H.Crowley 77 of Syracuse passed away May 5 after a brief illness. Born in Bridgeport, Connecticut 5-22-39, she was the youngest of three daughters blessed upon August and Esther(Herbst) Haedecke.

She was a graduate of LeMoyne College. She was the secretary for Most Holy Rosary School for over 30 years.

Gretchen loved her job at MHR starting out as a volunteer lunchroom mom and working her way up to school secretary. She was the one who would know where things were and the one who could get it done fast. She enjoyed all of the hellos from the children and the laughter that would drift in the office window during recess. Mostly she enjoyed the thank you and big hugs for the occasional bandaid and the " Mrs. Crowley I forgot my sneakers" phone calls to moms and dads. The walks home with her granddaughter after a busy day of school and work was her special "downtime", that is when they would talk about their day.

She enjoyed the special playtimes with her granddaughter and her friends. Doctor, teacher, boss ( good and bad), and customer... she played them all.She loved to sit on her front porch, enjoying the breeze and saying hi to neighbors. 

We love you very much. We miss you terribly.

Gretchen was predeceased by her parents August and Esther Haedecke, son, Brian J. Crowley, grandson, Brian P. Crowley and son-in-law Timothy J. Dranschak.

She is survived by daughter, Ellen Dranschak of Syracuse, sons,Kevin J. Crowley of Syracuse and Timothy J.(Danielle) Crowley of Cazenovia.Granddaughters; Heather of Syracuse, Paige of Syracuse.Grandsons; Josh, Kilian and Reilly of Cazenovia. Sister; Ann (Michael) Barry of Navarino and several nieces and nephews.

Calling Hours: Wednesday 11AM to 1 PM with services following at Hollis Funeral Home 1105 W. Genesee St Syracuse

In lieu of flowers a donation to Most Holy Rosary School 1031 Bellevue Avenue Syracuse NY 13207 or Bishop Ludden 815 Fay Rd Syracuse NY 13219 would be greatly appreciated.