Gretchen Walter Pinkerton

Gretchen Walter Pinkerton, age 77, formerly of Bradford Woods, PA, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 9th, 2021 at Sunrise of McCandless in Pittsburgh, PA. Gretchen was the daughter of J. Charles and Janet Virginia Walter. She was born January 11, 1944, in Lancaster, PA, and raised in Christiana, PA as the third child in a family of five girls and two boys. Gretchen graduated as Valedictorian from Octorara Area High School in Atglen, PA, where she earned several scholarships and academic awards as well as captained the women's field hockey team. After high school, she attended Hood College in Frederick, MD, where she played on the tennis team and earned a Bachelor of Arts in English. After years of teaching English, Gretchen earned a Master's degree in Library Science from the University of Pittsburgh in 1980.

Gretchen is survived by her loving husband of 56 years, Charles (Jack) Pinkerton as well as son Charley, daughter-in-law Janette Burton and grandson Jack of Boulder, CO. In addition, she is survived by three sisters and two brothers: Ezetta Walter of Lancaster, PA; Janet Walter Bratton of Christiana, PA; Letitia Walter Haythorne of Aiken, SC; J. Charles Walter Jr. of Lampeter, PA; and George Walter of Christiana, PA. Gretchen was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Carol Water.

In a long and distinguished career as a public educator, Gretchen dedicated her professional life to instilling in her students a joy for learning and passion for reading. Upon graduation from Hood College, she taught middle school English in the suburbs of Philadelphia and Chicago. After receiving her Masters from Pitt, she joined the North Allegheny School District as a school librarian. She spent a year at Espe Elementary before moving to Ingomar Middle School. She retired from North Allegheny after 25 years of service.

In retirement, Gretchen enjoyed volunteer work at North Country Meals on Wheels and was an active member of the Bradford Woods Women's Club. She cherished her trips to Boulder to visit her son and his family. Highlights of these visits included skiing, playing tennis and riding horses with her grandson, Jack. It was at home, in Bradford Woods, where Gretchen found true joy; sharing those times with husband Charles and their beloved cats, Sidney and Samantha. She loved the natural setting that their home offered and spent much of her time observing and caring for the wildlife that abounds in the neighborhood. One of her greatest memories was witnessing a doe give birth in their yard - recalling the amazement of that baby walking not ten minutes after birth.

A gathering of her extended family will be announced at a later date. Donations in Gretchen's memory can be made to North Country Meal on Wheels or the Butler County Humane Society.