Gretchen Fifer

South Carolina Cremation Society

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Gretchen Guck Fifer, 91, formerly of Winnsboro, SC, passed away unexpectedly but peacefully on April 19, 2024, at The Heritage at Lowman Home, surrounded by her loved ones.

Gretchen was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 57 years, Raymond Roy Fifer of Winnsboro, SC, her daughter, Martha Fifer Aufuldish of Irmo, SC, and her son, Michael Raymond Fifer, of Mishawaka, IN.

She is survived by her daughters, Julie Fifer Whiting (Sue) of Broomfield, CO, and Mary Fifer Hanna (Roy) of Columbia, SC, as well as her loving grandchildren, James Michael Hanna (Jo) of Simpsonville, SC, Raymond Phillip Hanna (Katie) of Stanley, NC, Mary Beth Aufuldish of Washington, DC., and Elam Nikoli Fifer-Whiting of Broomfield, CO. Her children and grandchildren brought immense joy to her life.

Gretchen was born in Sault St. Marie, Michigan, and attended Western Michigan University.

She earned a master’s degree in Speech Pathology from the University of South Carolina, building upon her undergraduate degree from Western Michigan in the same field. Gretchen earned wide respect in her field of Speech Pathology, known for her dedication to helping numerous school children of Fairfield County overcome communication challenges and her innovative approaches to therapy.

She and her husband, Ray, embarked on five remarkable journeys around the world with the Semester at Sea educational program. Gretchen cherished the diverse cultures and adventures they experienced, delighting in sharing their stories with all who cared to listen.

A devout member of Our Lady of the Hills Catholic Church in Columbia, SC, Gretchen also attended services at Our Lady of the Lake in Chapin and her beloved St. Theresa's Catholic Church in Winnsboro, SC.

A funeral mass will be celebrated on Thursday, May 9, 2024, at 10:00 AM at Our Lady of the Hills Catholic Church, 120 Marydale Ln, Columbia, SC 29210. There will be a luncheon in the parish hall following the service. Gretchen and her husband Ray will be laid to rest in Mishawaka, IN, a place dear to their hearts.

Her family will forever cherish the memories shared with Gretchen and find comfort in knowing that her spirit lives on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to Able SC, thru their website at https://www.able-sc.org/donate/ or mail checks to Able SC 720 Gracern Rd. #106 Columbia, SC 29210 noting Gretchen Fifer with your donation. Able SC is a nonprofit organization that is a disability led organization seeking transformational changes in systems, communities, and individuals.  

South Carolina Cremation Society is assisting the family. Family and friends may sign the online guest book by clicking on the "tribute wall" tab above.

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Gretchen Fifer Obituary | Altogether