Charlotte Gretsch-Pretat was a generous loving woman who went out of her way to make sure her family and friends were happy and comfortable. After growing up in Forest Hills Gardens, N.Y., she moved on to St. Francis College in Pennsylvania to earn a degree in education. Charlotte was proud to be a member of the Gretsch family who has been manufacturing fine instruments and drums for over 150 years. While raising her family in Bedford, N.Y., Charlotte worked at Brooklyn Botanic Garden Research Center where she was a valued and longtime employee. After moving to Maine in the early 1990s Charlotte soon began work at The Nature Conservancy in Brunswick, Maine. She spent many years with The Nature Conservancy, retiring earlier this year.
Charlotte and her husband of 27 years, George Pretat, shared a great love of salmon fishing. Through that shared passion they made many friends and warm connections and enjoyed their camp in New Brunswick, Canada. Her warm smile, quick wit and her love for hot fudge will be missed. A memorial service will be held in New York this summer.
Charlotte is survived by her three children: Mary Kunhardt, Keith Kahrs, and James Kahrs Jr.; six grandchildren: Charlotte, Katharine, Gabriel, Conner, Sarah and Alice, and three siblings Gretchen Elsner- Sommer, Fred Gretsch and Katherine Cuddeback. Donations can be made in Charlotte’s name to The Nature Conservancy.
To share your thoughts and condolences with the family, please visit www.desmondfuneralhomes.com.
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