Gretchen Voss

Gretchen Ann Voss, 85, passed away peacefully on August 23, 2024 surrounded by her family. Born in Rochester on July 2, 1939, Gretchen had a deep appreciation and love for being near the water and outdoors. This passion was instilled in her children, Karla Fichter, Lisa (Mark) Palvino, Eric (Michele) Voss and Kirsten (Peter Conners) Voss; as well as her grandchildren, Kimberly, Alyssa, and Lauren Gerrie; Colt Fichter; Camden and Kyle Palvino; Kurt (Elizabeth) Voss; Kathryn (Tim) Boucher; and Steven, Chase, and Austin Werner. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of her children and grandchildren.

Gretchen enjoyed summers at her family’s Kendall, NY cottage on the shore of Lake Ontario with her parents Alfred and Thelma Goetz, her brother Gary, as well as served as a lifeguard at Seneca Park and Charlotte Beach. Gretchen pursued her love of art and early education at Potsdam College. As co-owner of Diamond Packaging, she played a vital role in the company’s growth. Gretchen’s legacy of unwavering devotion is a testament to her lasting impact on the company’s caring culture and on everyone she touched.

A member of the Rochester Yacht Club for over 50 years, Gretchen introduced her family to sailing and enjoyed time bareboating with family and friends in the Caribbean. A founding member of Ski Valley, she was still an enthusiastic skier at the age of 80. Gretchen was an active member of the Country Club of Rochester, Chatterbox Club, and Rochester Garden Club. Gretchen’s gardens serve as a living reflection of her great love of art and nature, and she took great pride in hosting tours of her breath-taking gardens and the plants she cultivated. But, most of all, she cherished spending time with her family and friends at her home in Irondequoit.

A special thank you to the doctors and staff at the Wilmot Cancer Center that cared for Gretchen.

Please join us in celebrating Gretchen’s life on September 13th at the Country Club of Rochester from 11am - 2pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider planting a flower in remembrance of Gretchen, or donating to the Rochester Garden Club (c/o Suzy Spencer, 33 Greenpoint Trail, Pittsford, NY 14534), Ronald McDonald House Charities of Rochester NY, or Seneca Park Zoo Society.