Dear YMCA Community,

It is with a heavy heart that I inform you of the passing of our friend and colleague, Gretchen Godwin on Sunday, July 21, 2019.

Gretchen joined our Y in 2013. As the Director of Marketing, the YMCA of Montclair was the beneficiary of her extraordinary passion, dedication and talent. Gretchen transformed our marketing and communications to a more forward thinking and dynamic level. Gretchen loved the Y’s commitment to inclusivity, that it was a place that embraces all and changes lives.

In 2018, Gretchen received the prestigious YMCA Red Triangle Award. The award honors an employee whose YMCA service and leadership has been clearly distinguished by length of time, devotion to our mission and significant achievements in advancing the YMCA of Montclair. We all felt it was much deserved.

Personally, many of us have experienced Gretchen’s kindness and concern for the well-being others. Members and staff have stories of how Gretchen helped with a problem or found something special to brighten your day. I don’t think anyone could match her thoughtfulness.

A celebration of Gretchen’s life will be held on Saturday, July 27 from 12-2pm at the Montclair Art Museum, 3 South Mountain Avenue, Montclair. Casual attire. Everyone is welcome.

Please join us in extending our deepest condolences to Gretchen’s husband Nate, her daughter Ava and her son Jarrett.

Buddy Evans
President/CEO