Gretchen Wegener Martin

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Gretchen Wegener Martin, who passed away on March 30, 2026, at the age of 87.

Born in El Paso, Texas in 1939, Gretchen was the youngest of three girls (sisters Rosemary and Bernadette (predeceased)). Gretchen grew up in El Paso and attended Texas Western College (now the University of Texas at El Paso (“UTEP”)), where she earned her degree in education. In 1961, she moved to Riverside, California where she began her career as an elementary school teacher. 

While teaching in Riverside, Gretchen met her beloved husband, Neill Martin (predeceased), whom she married in 1962. Married for 59 years (up until his passing in 2021), they built a life filled with love, adventure, travel, and a strong focus on family. Gretchen, Neill and family moved to Mallorca, Spain in 1968, then to Caracas, Venezuela in 1970 and finally settling in Calgary in 1973. For the past 27 years, they have split their time between Calgary and Phoenix, forming lasting friendships in both cities.

Gretchen had a tireless spirit and a love of travel, visiting every continent and embracing cultures around the world. She had a lifelong passion for sports and was an accomplished tennis player, an avid golfer, and later a devoted pickleball player. She also enjoyed playing bridge and participating in numerous social events in her communities.

A devoted and selfless mother, Gretchen was the consummate teacher, both in the classroom and with her three children, who proudly describe her as the “World’s Most Magnificent Mom”. Her children and grandchildren were her pride and joy and she took particular pride in her children’s and grandchildren’s academic, athletic, and theatrical achievements. 

Gretchen was generous and deeply committed to helping others through her church and through her work supporting underprivileged children. A devout Catholic, she attended weekly Mass and lived her faith fully. She will be missed deeply by her congregations in Calgary and Phoenix. 

Gretchen is survived by her sister, Rosemary; her three children, Chris (Michelle), Michelle (John), and Greg (Alexis); and her four grandchildren, Tiffany (Logan), Nicholas, Ben, and Alexandra. 

Gretchen will be remembered for her warmth, energy, strength, and the deep love she gave to those who came in contact with her. She constantly enriched the lives of those around her. 

A Celebration of Gretchen’s Life will be held at a later date when the family can all gather together.

Please visit gretchen-martin.forevermissed.com and request an invite to her memorial site if you would like to share memories or tributes.  

Forever in our hearts.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gretchen Wegener Martin, please visit our floral store.