Gretchen Trimble

Trimble, Gretchen Van Leir - 75 of Absecon, NJ, passed away the evening of February 22 after spending precious time with family. Gretchen fought a nine-year battle with cancer and never complained. Born in Philadelphia, PA, Gretchen graduated from Audubon High School, married and settled into Mays Landing to raise her children. She is predeceased by her parents Edis Richard Van Leir and Ruth Campbell Van Leir, brothers Richard and Bruce and her wonderful husband Mike Trimble. Gretchen thoroughly enjoyed working at the Northfield Diner where she made great friends and memories but her favorite times were spent with her large and loving family. "Mimom" is survived by her children Wendy Happle and her husband Ken, Melissa Phillips and her husband Frank and Dan Loveland and his wife Heather. Gretchen dearly loved her 13 grandchildren: Rebecca Kelly Watkins (Bill), Jessica Happle (Ruben Luna), Jason Kelly (Shannon), Kaitlyn Loban (David), Heidi Kelly (Ryan Bray), Dan Loveland Jr., Gabrielle Loveland, Devan Happle, Trevor Loveland, Josh Phillips, Frank Phillips (Nicole), Anthony Phillips and Tiffany Phillips. Gretchen loved singing songs and having tea with her 7 great-granddaughters: Jordyn, Gia, Lana, Ava, Hannah, Lacey and Aurora and snuggling with her 4-legged grand-dog Ella. A celebration of Gretchen's life will be held on Wednesday, March 1, 2017 at Adams Perfect Funeral Home in Northfield, NJ where friends will be received from 5-6pm with a service following. Interment will be private at a later date. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to The Atlantic County SPCA.