Gretchen Sue Sawicki

Gretchen Sue Shaffer Sawicki, 79, of Asheboro, died Wednesday, April 17, 2019, at her residence. Memorial services will be conducted 11:00 am, Monday, April 22, 2019, at The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, Asheboro, where she was a member. Officiating will be Fr. Joe Mitchell. Born June 11, 1939, in Muncie, IN, Mrs. Sawicki was the daughter of the late Stewart and Gertrude Hollmeyer Shaffer. Gretchen received her Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Vermont and had attended Purdue University and Northwest Missouri State University. She also received a certificate from the New York School of Interior Design. Mrs. Sawicki was an accomplished artist and an art educator, teaching from Kindergarten through the 8th grade. She was a member of Alpha Chi Omega Sorority. Gretchen loved architecture and had a talent to see art in everything. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Sawicki was preceded in death by her daughter, Sherry O'Brien, sister, Phyllis Welter; and brothers, Jim Shaffer and Doug Smith. Survivors include her husband, Dave Sawicki; daughters, Karen Birkhoffer and husband Bill, Wendy Mull and husband Danny; son, Scott Sawicki and wife Gwynne; son-in-law, Ray O'Brien; grandchildren, Matt and wife Heather, Erin, Kerry, Jack, Faith, Grace, Ben, Katie, Ellie and May. A reception will be held following the service in the parish hall at the church. Memorials to The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, Memorial Endowment Fund, 505 Mountain Road, Asheboro, NC 27205.