Gretchen Edler Cloke

Gretchen died peacefully at a family home on Puget Sound after a short, but courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Gretchen’s final days met her wishes to be near the salt waters of the Pacific Northwest, the beach, the rain, the bald eagles, and to enjoy a favorite of hers, Dungeness crab. She was surrounded by her daughters and a host of devoted relatives and friends. She is survived by her two daughters, Erin Cloke of Austin, Texas, Sarah Sweeney (husband Michael) of Lynnwood, her grandchildren Ransom and Ruby Cloke, and Ronan Sweeney, her sister Karen Pidcock of Kaslo, British Columbia, sisters- in- law Suzanne Cloke and Christine Easton and many nieces and nephews. Gretchen was born in Boulder City, Nevada on St. Patrick’s Day in 1946. She lost both parents when she was a child and was fortunate to find many loving mentors to nurture and guide her over her lifetime. While growing up, Gretchen lived on Orcas Island and in the greater Seattle area. When she was 20 years old she met the love of her life, Andrew Cloke, while attending college at Washington State University. Their courtship was brief and romantic; they were married in the spring of 1967. Gretchen and Andy made their first home in Seattle near his family and work. They had two beautiful daughters whom she supported passionately along their way, and made their home a favorite of friends, family, and neighborhood kids. Andy’s career took the family many interesting places; they soaked up the culture in El Paso, Vienna, Frankfurt, and Tacoma. Their marriage was filled with the joys of raising their two daughters, the adventures of travel, the enjoyment of good food and wine, the celebration of grandchildren, and lots of laughter until they were parted by his death in 2006. Gretchen was a deeply empathetic soul with a passion for helping others; she worked and volunteered countless hours for local organizations in all of the places she made her home. These included advocacy for breastfeeding for La Leche League, and the Director of Christian Education at St. John’s Episcopal in Kirkland. She worked for hospice services in El Paso, and later for Franciscan Hospice in Tacoma. After the US Embassy bombing in Kenya in 1998, she flew to the site of the attack and helped escort victims to a hospital in Germany. Gretchen rounded out her varied career as the office manager and an invaluable member of the team at GPA Truman, where she will be sorely missed. Over the last several years you could find Gretchen roaming the beaches and woods with her dog; an experience she always enjoyed sharing with friends and family. She was free with her laughter and had an uncanny ability to listen to anyone who needed an ear. Gretchen was a gracious and hospitable host who loved to create and give gifts. Friends and family could always count on an open door, a beautiful spread, a place to stay no matter the occasion. She loved to be at the beach, she loved to feel the presence of God, she loved her family, and life. Her company in this world will be missed by all who knew and loved her. We have lost a wonderful listener, supporter, and advocate in our lives. Goodbye Gretchen, Mother, Grandmother, Sister, Wife, and Friend; until we meet again. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 22nd in the Northwest Room of Ray’s Boathouse, 6049 Seaview Ave NW, Seattle, WA. Doors will open at 11:30 a.m., service begins at noon, reception to follow. Special thanks to Edwards Memorial of Tacoma, WA for their gracious care and services. In memory of Gretchen Cloke, donations may be made to The Olga Community Cemetery on Orcas Island or Franciscan Health System Hospice. Olga Community Club/Cemetery Fund c/o J. W. Slater 236 Woodside Farm Road Olga, Washington 98279 Franciscan Hospice 2901 Bridgeport Way W University Place, Washington 98466