Gretchen Louise Trask

Gretchen Louise Trask, age 76, of Shinglehouse, PA, passed away on Wednesday, July 16, 2025 in Erie, PA.

Gretchen was born in Erie to the late Michael and Helen Kitza on September 17, 1948. She attended St. George Catholic School and graduated from McDowell H.S.in 1966. She received her Bachelor’s of Education degree from Edinboro University in 1971. She married Gary Trask on February 10, 1973 and moved to Shinglehouse to begin their lives together.

Gretchen was a resident of Shinglehouse, PA for over 50 years and taught elementary education in the Oswayo Valley School District. She retired from teaching in 2005. In early retirement, Gretchen enjoyed international travel and attending scrapbooking fairs. With her husband Gary, she traveled across the US in their motorhome and later made winter residence in Casa Grande, AZ. After Gary’s passing in 2011, Gretchen began spending more time with her family in Erie and continued the annual trek to AZ each winter to see her campground friends. Her favorite times were reconnecting each December with neighbors in Encore Hills West RV Park. Gretchen was an avid reader, enjoyed visiting casinos, and keeping up with her grandchildren.

Gretchen was preceded in death by her husband Gary and parents Michael and Helen.

She is survived by her sons; Barrett (Lisa) of Lafayette, CO and Leslie (Ann) of McKean, PA, her siblings; Karen, Michele Robertson, Elizabeth Cundy, and David, and four grandchildren; Sasha, Jade, Reed, and Corinne. Friends may call at the Dusckas-Martin Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 4216 Sterrettania Rd. on Thursday, July 24, 2025 from 11 am until the time of a prayer service at 12:30 pm.