Gertrude (Gretchen) Berthold

WOONSOCKET — Sadly, Gretchen Berthold, of Plymouth, Mass., passed away March 30, 2017. after a lengthy illness. She was born in Woonsocket in November 1939, and was the daughter of Jeanette Pretto and Wilrose Da lpe . Gretchen graduated from The Cambridge Latin School and Boston University, then received a master’s degree from Fitchburg State College.

Gretchen was sharp, thoughtful, an avid reader and a great storyteller. She often vacationed in Prince Edward Island, Canada. She especially enjoyed fishing and golfing and her many pets.

Gretchen was an instructor and then a director at many summer camps. This led her to pursue a teaching career. She taught English from 1966 to 1972 at Milford, N.H., High School, then served as guidance counselor at Groton-Dunstable High School, where she remained until her retirement in 2000. Gretchen was the National Honor Society adviser and developed many programs, such as College Night, for her students.

As organizer of the annual Giraffe Invitational Golf Tournament, Gretchen helped to raise more than $113,000 for the Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition during the 14 years the tournament was held in Groton.

Gretchen’s friends fondly remember her as loving her students, with whom she had an excellent rapport. She was conscientious, dedicated and gave sage advice. Family and friends will sorely miss her.

During her professional years, she lived in Harvard and Groton, Mass. Upon retirement, she relocated to Maryland, then to Florida. Gretchen is survived by her spouse, Betsy Johnson; stepmother, Arlene Dalpe; an aunt, Dolly Petit; and stepbrother, Peter Berthold, as well as numerous cousins and friends.

A memorial for Gretchen will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in Gretchen’s name to The Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition, PO Box 202, Franklin, MA 02038.