Gerda Marga Peachman

HUDSON FALLS – Gerda Marga Peachman of Hudson Falls, New York was called into the arms of our Lord on November 1st, 2014 after a long, courageous struggle with cancer. She recently celebrated her 89th birthday- a goal hard won.

Gerda, otherwise known affectionately as Gretchen, was born on October 26th, 1925, in Bremerhaven, Germany to Maria and Fred Meyer. At seven month of age, Gerda and her parents immigrated to America in search of a better life.

They settled in Astoria, New York where she grew up. Her mother died when Gerda was 7 years old.  Eventually her father remarried Marie Meyer. Upon graduation with honors from High School, she took the position of Special Ledger Clerk for New York Telephone Company. After WWII she married the love of her life, Alvin Peachman. Together they moved to Hudson Falls where they made a happy home and raised three children.

Gretchen was a stay at home mom who devoted her life to nurturing and caring for her family.  As the years went by Gretchen was the primary caregiver for her parents when they became ill. She enjoyed cooking, sewing and many other interests such as guitar playing. Gretchen always approached life in a happy, optimistic way. She was a wonderful role model for her children and grandchildren and her quick sense of humor kept family and friends laughing often.  She would often be found singing and could recite literature, poetry and Bible verses at a moment’s notice. She loved completing the daily cryptogram and crossword puzzle during breakfast.

Gretchen and Alvin were instrumental in the beginnings of the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church of Glens Falls, New York. There, Gretchen served as a choir member and would often solo. She taught Sunday School for many years and was president of the Mother’s Club.  Always ready for a challenge, she decided to earn a college degree.  She soon graduated summa cum laude from Adirondack Community College. She took several different jobs to help fund their passion to travel. Gretchen and Alvin enjoyed traveling to many destinations such as Europe, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and throughout the United States. Eventually they retired and spent their winters in Oahu, Hawaii for twenty eight years.

Gretchen was predeceased by her parents. In addition to her husband, Gretchen leaves behind three children: Dr. Frederick (Jean) Peachman of Brookfield, Ohio, Richard (Joan) Peachman of Queensbury, New York, and Jane (Mark) Pepin of Kingsbury, New York. Gretchen was very proud of each of her seven grandchildren: Scott (Mia) Peachman, Jeffrey Peachman, Thomas Peachman, Katie (Kevin) Ward, Julie Peachman, Michael Peachman, and Madeline Pepin. She also has two lovely great grandchildren: Evan Baird and Reilyn Ward.

Friends may call from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main St., Hudson Falls.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Wednesday at The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd on Glen St. in Glens Falls with the Rev. Paul Wagner, pastor, officiating.

Burial will follow at Pine View Cemetery in the town of Queensbury.

Following the burial, all are welcome to a reception at the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd  on Glen Street in Glens Falls.

Gretchen suggests that donations be made to the Charles R. Wood Cancer Center at Glens Falls Hospital, 102 Park St., Glens Falls, NY 12801or the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd of Glens Falls, 543 Glen St., Glens Falls, NY 12801.

Gretchen wanted to express her gratitude to Dr. Giatti-Grubbs, the nurses of the Oncology Department and the staff on floor 2 of the Cancer Center for their kindness and exceptional care extended to her.