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Gretchen Makowicki, age 58, passed away Jan. 24 with her loving husband Tom by her side. She was the beloved wife of Tom, the mother to Evan, Sarah, and Tyler, and a cherished friend to many.

Gretchen had a passion for cooking, reading cook books like they were a novel. Family dinners were very important; she always looked forward to gathering her family and cooking elaborate meals, including her infamous oyster stuffing. The holidays were filled with traditions, including gathering friends and family for the annual holiday Swedish smorgasbord. Gretchen was an avid reader, devouring several books a week. She loved old movies and TV. Her favorites were The Sound of Music and The Andy Griffith Show, which she made her children watch regularly.

Gretchen loved her dogs and they were her constant companions. She especially loved Chance. Chance never left her side and was loyal to Gretchen’s last day. Chance is grieving as much as the rest of the family.

Gretchen loved and cared for her stepchildren Sarah and Tyler as if they were her own. She was devastated by the loss of Tyler on Jan. 1. In the past couple years Gretchen even allowed Sarah to take over holiday cooking duties, having passed on her love of cooking to Sarah. Gretchen also attempted to share Sarah’s love of knitting, but that did not go as well. Gretchen was Sarah’s rock and most of all taught her how to be a strong independent woman.

Gretchen’s true joy in life was her son Evan. She was so proud to see him graduate from high school and college this past June, a feat that she did not think she was going to be able to see. Gretchen was beyond proud of Evan’s achievements both academically and on the baseball field. Gretchen’s husband Tom was her constant companion and caregiver the last couple of years. They were each other’s best friends and had a marriage of love and laughter for 23 years.

For the last decade Gretchen battled cancer with grace and dignity. Her family would like to thank the doctors and nurses of the Yale Breast Cancer Center for battling it with her and giving her many more years to enjoy and love her family.

Gretchen is survived by her husband Tom Makowicki; children Evan and Sarah Makowicki; mother-in-law Jennie Makowicki; her Aunts Anne and Turie; and her many cousins. She is also survived by her brothers and their wives, whom she loved and adored, Eric (Kristen), Kurt (Gretchen), and Mark (Jayne). Gretchen was predeceased by her parents Richard and Claire Battey, her father-in-law Ted Makowicki, and her stepson Tyler.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to: The Tyler Makowicki Wilderness Challenge Fund, c/o Old Saybrook Youth and Family Services, 322 Main St., Old Saybrook, CT 06475. Please make checks out to Old Saybrook Youth and Family Services.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, Feb. 1 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home, 34 Main St. in Centerbrook. A Memorial Service will immediately follow the visitation in the funeral home chapel. To share a memory of Gretchen or send a condolence to her family, please visit www.rwwfh.com.