Gretchen Ann Vedder Blakey died peacefully at home on Wednesday, January 4, 2017 at the age of 85. She died of lung cancer, a disease she endured with determination and humor.

Gretchen was born in York, Pennsylvania on March 9, 1931. She was the daughter of Wentworth Darcy Vedder, Jr, and Thryza Merkert Vedder, and sister of Wentworth Darcy Vedder, and Christina Vedder Lohr (all deceased). Gretchen is survived by five children from her former marriage to Albert G. Blakey III: Albert G. Blakey IV (York, PA), Margaret S. Blakey (New York, NY), Daniel R. Blakey (Manhattan Beach, CA), Dr. Rachel Blakey Westerlund (Upperco, MD) and Ann D. Blakey (Arlington, VA); and by her eleven grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Kathryn Williamson, Barbara Vedder and Julia Ann Blakey Butler, and by many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

Gretchen grew up in York, taking daily dance classes and developing her life-long love of horses. She graduated in 1948 from The Baldwin School, in Bryn Mawr, PA, and in 1952 obtained her B.A. degree from Smith College in Northampton, MA, where she majored in both economics and drama, and was a member of the “Smiffenpoofs” singing group.

After college, Gretchen lived and worked in New York City for several years, avidly pursuing her interests in theater, ballet and opera. She returned to York, married, and raised her five children, as well as legions of horses, cats, dogs, and assorted other animals. In 1973, Gretchen moved the family to a farm in Hellam, PA where for the next 44 years she lived in an 18th century stone farmhouse and managed a horse-boarding business. Gretchen was never happier than when she was on her farm – tending to the horses, working in the barn, or watching children ride ponies and play in the creek.

Gretchen was a true “life-long learner,” and her passion for mastering new skills defined her throughout her life. She explored a variety of interests with her customary zeal: the double bass, the Russian language, sign language, politics, and the mysteries of modern medicine. Gretchen was factual, practical and spiritual. Her favorite book was undoubtedly the dictionary that she kept close at hand.

A viewing will be held at Etzweiler Funeral Home at 1111 East Market Street in York from 6:00 to 8:00 pm on Friday, January 13. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, January 14, at St. Paul Episcopal Church at 340 Locust Street in Columbia, PA, with Rev. J. Patrick Peters, Rector officiating. A visitation with the family will be held on Saturday from 9:30-10:00 am at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to St. Paul Episcopal Church, 340 Locust Street, Columbia, PA, 17512.