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Gretchen Wolfe

Gretchen Wolfe passed away at home in Sonoma on March 18, 2011. She was 69.

Gretchen, whose dates of life were, July 18, 1941 to March 18, 2011, was someone who made the dash between those dates really count. She radiated a sparkling personality that attracted many lasting friendships in her lifetime. Honest and trustworthy she was known for her effervescent energy and a Plan A and a Plan B approach to life. She treasured good food, fine wine and family get-togethers. Holidays saw her making her savory sausage meatballs the family nearly fought over. Song and laughter were constant companions.

Born in Managua, Nicaragua, her family immigrated to San Francisco when she was 4 and there she attended and graduated from Notre Dame de Namur Catholic girls school. She met Jim Wolfe, fell in love, and they were married in 1962, a union that lasted 49 years and produced three devoted children.

She worked at the Petaluma police department for 23 years attaining the position of records supervisor, the first civilian to assume that position. She was the first-ever recipient of the City of Petaluma’s Employee of the Month award while at the department for performing duties beyond her normal assignments and for her ability to “get the job done.” She is also credited with implementing the department’s volunteer employee workforce program.

After retirement, she and Jim enjoyed traveling and also investing time in the continued development of their dream home. As a member of a book club she sustained her love of literature. Her first love was her family, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt. She leaves a void that can never be filled. She is survived by her husband, Jim; her children, Kim (Corby) Brasset and Kevin (Kathy) Wolfe, of Petaluma and Kristen Wolfe, of Virginia; five grandchildren, Stephanie, Jimmy, Katie, Rachel and Madeline; and her sister, Martha (Donald) Ketzler, all of Petaluma. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to attend a celebration of her life on Saturday, April 9, 2011, at 11 a.m. at the Best Western Sonoma Valley Inn, 550 2nd St. W., Sonoma. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Petaluma, 416 Payran St., Petaluma, CA 94952.

Arrangements under the direction of Duggan's Mission Chapel, Mission Cremation Service, 525 W. Napa St., Sonoma, CA.