Gretchen (Personius) Orr

Gretchen Personius Orr passed away at the age of 93 on October 30, 2025. Gretchen was born on April 17, 1932 to William and Marie Personius in Albany, New York. On Thanksgiving Day, November 25, 1954, Gretchen married Preston Orr at the United Methodist Church. They celebrated 62 years of marriage until his death in 2017.

Gretchen is survived by her brother, Robert (Doris) Personius. Gretchen has 4 children: Bill (Pam) Orr, Cindy (Bob) Mitchell, Scott (Cathy) Orr and Tom (fiance’e Debbie) Orr. She has 12 grandchildren; Brittnay, Kevin, Joe, Ben, Nate, Landon,  Ansley, Theodore, Ashley, Alex, Preston and Ariana; 16 great-grandchildren, Grady, Estelle, Ava, Brady, Eli, Addy, Jonah, Sam, Sawyer, Chase, Archer, Layla, Forest, Brooklyn, Oliver and Everly. Preceding Gretchen in death were her parents, brother Walter Personius, husband (Lloyd) Preston Orr and grandson Elliott Orr.

Gretchen’s many passions included, Girl Scout Leader, Melody Lane Girl Scout Camp Director, Literacy Center Volunteer tutor, Camp O’Fair Winds Board, Soccer Coach, accompaniment for solo ensembles and drama club, Women’s Health Initiative, SMILE program (dealing with educational programs and divorce), United Methodist Church director of bell choirs, children’s choirs and adult choir, church organist, various church leadership roles, Hospice Volunteer, Red Cross Blood Donor (103 units), North Branch Parade Committee, Historical Society, Community Hall of Famer, Founder of the Senior Center, 4th of July Grand Marshall and Delta Kappa Gamma (a professional organization for women educators).

Gretchen graduated from Elmira Free Academy in Elmira, New York. She was a 1954 graduate of Albion College in Albion, Michigan.  She came to North Branch to teach vocal music. During her second year at North Branch she became the band director. She took time off to have and raise her family, returning to the classroom after obtaining her Early Childhood Endorsement. Gretchen was instrumental in starting the Begindergarten (early 5’s) program at North Branch. During her educational career she continuously pursued higher education credits. In her “retirement” years, Gretchen was a partner in Daniel Orr Sons Hardware with her family. She enjoyed family, walking, volunteering, music, keeping busy and supporting the local community.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the charity of your choice.

The family will be present for visitation on Thursday, November 6th from 3pm-8pm at Blackburn Chapel-Martin Funeral Home. On Friday, November 7th the family will receive guests from 9:30 am-11 am at the First Baptist Church in Lapeer, located at 1212 Knollwood Drive. The funeral service will be at 11 am at the church with Pastor Ross Shannon officiating. Gretchen will be laid to rest with her husband, Preston, at Great Lakes National Cemetery at a later date.

You may share an online condolence to the family at www.blackburnchapel.com

Arrangements by Blackburn Chapel-Martin Funeral Home

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