Wreatha Jean Gendron, 76, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, at home, Tuesday November 22, 2011.

Born January 8th, 1935, in Claremont, NH to the late Benjamin Zerba and Dorothea Bowers, Wreatha is survived by her husband of 59 years, Louis Remi Gendron of Claremont, NH; five children, Lawrence Gendron and wife Bailey Breen Gendron, Lynn Holland-Kelley and husband Terry Kelley, Lorene Gendron, Lea Gendron-Rapp,  and Louis Gendron and wife Lenore Files-Gendron; 12 grandchildren, Remi Gendron, Charlotte Gendron, Lance Holland, Niles Holland, Lorna Adams, Colin Rabun, Devon Rabun, Lucas Rapp, Emily Rapp, Marta Rapp, Lily Gendron and Maya Gendron; 5 great-grandchildren; 2 nephews, Joseph and John Collins; and 1 niece, Nancy Collins-Day. She was pre-deceased by her sister, Sarah Collins, of Hartford, CT. Wreatha and Louis met in Claremont in 1947 and were married on January 5th, 1952 in Hartford, CT.

Throughout her career of service, Wreatha touched the lives of many people. She spent over 22 years as a licensed alcohol and drug counselor in NH and VT, including work with domestic violence and corrections. The owner of Covered Bridge Counseling until retirement in 2007, she also served as clinical director at The Treatment Center at Alice Peck Day Hospital, Lebanon, NH; president of the Vermont Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors Association; chair of the Vermont Ethics Board; chief counselor at Seminole Point Hospital, Sunapee, NH. She received degrees for counseling in 1983 and interpreting for the deaf in 1981.

An avid reader, Wreatha had a voracious appetite for knowledge. She and Louis loved taking drives in their convertible. She loved music, films, was an amazing cook, and loved hosting family and friends in her always warm and inviting home. Her family was most important to her.

Calling hours will be Saturday, December 3rd from 2pm - 4pm at Stringer Funeral Home, 146 Broad Street in Claremont.