Gretchen Smith LaCounte

July 23, 1942 - October 7, 2017

Gretchen Ann (Smith) LaCounte age 75, passed peacefully in her sleep on October 7, 2017, at John Muir Hospital in Walnut Creek, California. She was born on July 23, 1942 in Monongahela, Pennsylvania, to Charles and Irene Smith. Gretchen graduated Ravenswood High School in West Virginia, where she was voted Prom Queen. Gretchen was an admired interior designer and dedicated mother. She was quoted in Smart Money Magazine in 1996 for her entrepreneurial spirit in the emergence of the house flipping industry.

Gretchen’s keen eye and business savvy had her buying, decorating, and selling homes from California to Alabama. She is equally remembered for her supporting role as mother and sporting fan of all her children. Gretchen was a bundle of energy with passions for cooking and hosting events attended by friends, neighborhood children and sports teams.

Gretchen was elder sister to Charles Davis Smith, mother to David Max, Mathieu Eugene, Meagan Elise (Hagglund) and Melissa Ann (Pfeiffer); grandmother to Dominic, Dante, Keegan, Ryan, Luke, Dylan, and Jordan. She will be dearly missed and remembered for her love of shopping, Bridge, fashion, design, wine and warm climates.

Gretchen had requested a private burial. Condolences and memories may be shared online. The family wishes to thank all of those who cared for her.