Gretchen Anne Norman (nee Miller) age 81, of Milford, OH passed away on September 18, 2023, after a long illness. Beloved wife of E. Rowley Elliston. Devoted mother of Suzanne Norman (Matthew Bittner), Michael Norman (Colette Conway), Michelle Watson (Timothy), Christopher Norman (Kathleen), Gregory Vazquez-Norman (Jennifer), stepmother to William Elliston, and cherished grandmother to 12 who will all miss their Mater.
Gretchen was born in Alliance, OH on August 12, 1942, to Laverne and Virginia Miller, sister to Andrea Gumm, John Miller, and Marita Weidman. She was a proud graduate of Marlboro HS (1960).
Gretchen’s love of learning was demonstrated through her degrees and professional achievements. Her academic accomplishments included Akron City Hospital School of Nursing RN (1963), Cleveland State University BSN (1983), Cleveland Clinic Foundation CRNA (1985), Case Western Reserve University Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing MSN (1991). She was a member of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. Gretchen worked in several hospitals including University Hospitals, the Cleveland Clinic, as well as a traveling nurse anesthetist in Columbus, OH, and Danbury, CT. She finished her career at St. Elizabeth Hospital, KY after 47 years of nursing.
A longtime resident of Lakewood, OH where she raised her family, Gretchen was an amazing mother; always loving, gracious, adventurous, and forward-thinking. Her zest for life was reflected in her love for cooking, sewing, piano playing, folk dancing, skiing, swimming, and biking. Always up for a challenge or adventure, Gretchen won her age group in the Cleveland Triathlon in 2010. Her lovely voice will be missed in the Heritage Universalist Unitarian Church choir.
Gretchen’s children and their families will always be grateful that her last years were some of her happiest. She lived in a fabulous house outside Cincinnati and spent her days gardening and walking in the woods when she wasn’t traveling the world with her dear and devoted husband, Rowley.
There will be a Celebration of Life at 2pm on Sunday, December 17, at the Heritage Universalist Unitarian Church, 2710 Newtown Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45244.
In lieu of Flowers, donations can be made in Gretchen’s name to:
Help Save Sea Otters: https://www.montereybayaquarium.org/join-give/ways-to-give/honor-a-loved-one
Condolences(3) 
Ralph Zittkowski says
October 3, 2023 at 11:23 amSorry for your loss Mike. Obviously you’re mother was a very accomplished pwrson and helped many other others in her lifetime.
Paula Maeder Connor says
October 20, 2023 at 1:31 amShe was so loved and so loving. I remember her love of life! My best wishes to her children and husband.
Amber and Bill Oxley says
December 14, 2023 at 12:15 amGretchen was a remarkable and kind human. We felt blessed to know her and her beautiful family
In lieu of Flowers, donations can be made in Gretchen's name to:
Give – Heritage UU Church
Help Save Sea Otters: https://www.montereybayaquarium.org/join-give/ways-to-give/honor-a-loved-one
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