Gretchen Petrucelly:
CLASS OF 1967
SUNY @ BuffaloClass of 1967
Buffalo, NY
East High SchoolClass of 1963
Rochester, NY
Gretchen's Story
After I graduated East High School, I went to the State University of NY at Buffalo and got my B.S. in nursing. Went to the University of Colorado and got an M.S. in Psychiatric Nursing. Worked as a Clinical Nurse Specialist in a Denver neighborhood health center for awhile. Met my husband in Denver. We traveled for 10 years playing folk music in hotels and restaurant. (I play guitar, banjo, and fiddle.) Had 2 daughters and settled in Chicago while my husband went to Violin making school, and I went back into Psych nursing in a private Psych Hospital.
Went to Pennsylvania where my husband studied with a master violin maker. I taught psych nursing at York College for 2 years. Then we moved to Spokane, WA where I taught psych nursing for 4 years at the Intercollegiate Center for Nursing Education. My husband opened a music store and ran it for 28 years.
I then worked at Eastern State Hospital as a Clinical Nurse Specialist for 8 years, ran a second music store for 3 years, worked as a nurse consultant for the local mental health center , and finally ended up as an Institutional Nurse Consultant doing nursing home inspections for the state and federal government.
We both retired in 2011 and are enjoying life. Went to Dominica in the West Indies for one month 12/12-1/13. Had visited there 41 years ago when first married. Thought about buying a vacation home there, but decided it was too hot and humid and too expensive. Live in Washington state on a mountain overlooking the Spokane River. Bald eagles reside here too!
Our 2 daughters are both Physical Therapists. ...Expand for more
Our youngest daughter runs two Physical Therapy Clinics. We have 3 grandchildren here in Washington.
Recently sold our Bald Eagle home (April 2015) and moved 5 miles south of Spokane to be nearer to medical/health services/resources and our children and grandchildren. Our home is still more in the country than the city, peaceful and quiet. Enjoying retirement! Sadly, my husband passed away 12/4/2016. We enjoyed 46 years of marriage and 47 years together.
Bought a house in 2018 in North Spokane, where I live with my Pomeranian KiKo. Started playing violin again in Project Joy orchestra for senior citizens. Ages range from 37 to 95. We perform once a month at nursing homes, assisted living, and churches. It's fun and challenging. Our conductor is the head of the music department at Gonzaga University and an accomplished cellist.
Also participate in a chamber orchestra consisting of 8 senior citizens. We play several times each month at nursing homes, children's hospitals, assisted living units, and dementia care units.
This past year (2019) joined a singing group called the Minstrels. It consists of about 27 senior citizens and is part of the Project Joy groups of performers. Have found these music groups fun, full of camaraderie, and worthwhile.
Have been lucky enough to be able to travel with Road Scholar to Cuba in February 2018 and most recently in December 2019 to Puglia, Italy. Both trips were well-planned, educational, and opportunities to travel with people from all over the US, and fantastic cultural experiences.
Looking forward to more music, more travel, more life.
Register for Free to view all details!
Yearbooks
Register for Free to view all yearbooks!
Reunions
Photos
Register for Free to view all photos!