Rev. Gretchen B. Switzer

Reverend Gretchen B. (Jones) Switzer, 65 of Worcester, passed away on Saturday, May 13, 2023 at UMass Medical Center.

Reverend Switzer was born in Boston, MA., a daughter of the late Robert W. and Dorothy Q. (Bell) Jones.  She graduated from high school in Wellesley, MA, Bucknell University with a bachelor’s in music history and later earned her master’s degree from Andover Newton Theological School, Class of 1987. Reverend Switzer was a pastor for the United Church of Christ for 37 years before retiring.  She was a talented writer who published two books, was a member of the Worcester Inner Faith and was the former “book lady” at Nelson Place School for many years.  In her spare time, Reverend Switzer enjoyed kayaking, hiking, and vacationing to Bar Harbor, Maine.  In her younger years she played the guitar and sang.  Her music fed her soul.  She made it her purpose to help anyone in her congregation if they ever needed anything.

Reverend Switzer is survived by her husband of 32 years, Rev. David A. Switzer; two children, Sabrina K. Switzer and Parker K. Switzer both of Worcester; her sister, Susan Fuller of Wood River Junction, RI.; a brother-in-law, Douglas Switzer and his wife Xuan of Chicago; a sister-in-law Cindy Dempsey and her husband Drew of Fort Thomas, KY; four nephews and one niece.

Relatives and friends are invited to calling hours on Tuesday, May 23rd from 10-11 am with her funeral service immediately following at 11:00 am in the United Congregational Church, 6 Institute Rd., Worcester.  Burial will be held on Wednesday, May 24th at 12:00 noon at Woodlawn Cemetery, Wellesley, MA. MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St., Worcester is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA  22116-7023, Alzheimer's Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011 or to a charity of your choice.