Gretchen Elizabeth Abbey, 49, of Wellington peacefully passed away on June 30, 2011 at the New Life Hospice St. Joseph Care Center in Lorain. She was born on January 8, 1962 in Elyria to the late Frank and Dora (nee Hopkins) Abbey. Gretchen worked with the Murray Ridge Career Center and for several years at McDonalds in Wellington. She was a member of the Brighton Congregational Church. Gretchen enjoyed dancing and listening to music and was a member of the Murray Ridge choral group. Her interests also included word search puzzle books and watching her shows including I love Lucy, the Golden Girls and the Three Stooges. She played on a bowling league with Murray Ridge and enjoyed going on outings with the Murray Ridge groups. Gretchen also enjoyed creating placemats for her loved ones. Most of all Gretchen enjoyed spending time with her family and they enjoyed time with her. Gretchen was preceded in death by her life long friend, Marianne Schaming of Pittsburgh PA. Gretchen is survived by her brother, whom she lived with, Frank and Carolyn Abbey, sisters Ella (Don) Kocsis, Janis (Mike) Stegman, Elaine, Pat (Joe) Trombetta, Shelly (Dennis) Tanner. She is also survived by Nieces and Nephews Hillary and Paul, Kelly and Shay, Trisha and John, Franklin and Carrie, Tyler and Betsy, Jon and Sarah, Ted and Brenda, Tim, Scott and Michelle, and David; and great nieces and nephews Andy and Ranae, Christopher, Bryce, Lennon, Trevor, Seth, Franklin, Becca, Maddie, Emma, Sophie, Jordyn, and Korbi as well as many friends. Friends and family will be received Tuesday July 5, 2011 at Norton-Eastman Funeral Home, 370 South Main, Wellington, from 4-7 p.m. with a service starting at 7 p.m. Rev. John Burgess officiating. Donations in Gretchen's memory may be directed to the Friends of Murray Ridge, 1091 Infirmary Road, Elyria, Ohio 44035.