In Memory of Gretchen McNamara Wrape

Obituary

Gretchen McNamara Wrape, 83, of New Hartford, passed away on Friday, June 6, 2025, at Wynn Hospital.

The funeral will be on Friday, June 13, at 1:00 pm at Friedel, Williams & Edmunds Funeral and Cremation Services, 13 Oxford Road, New Hartford. Interment will be in St. Agnes Cemetery. Calling hour will be from 12:00 to 1:00 pm prior to the funeral.

She was born July 27 in Fulton, New York, the daughter of Helen and Hubert "Mac" McNamara. She graduated from St. Francis de Sales High School in 1959 and married John Wrape in 1969.

She worked at Jean’s Beans while in high school and then at Kelly Services. Over the next several decades, Gretchen was employed with General Electric, B-Dry Systems, and Carbone Auto Group.

She was a lifelong sports fan, who enjoyed golfing and bowling regularly. G was a dedicated sports enthusiast who rooted for the Syracuse Orange, the Mets, the Knicks, and the Bills — but watching the PGA was her favorite pastime.

Gretchen is survived by her daughter, Amy (Mike); her grandchild, Natalie; her sister Jeannie (Ron) Roback of Clinton; her brothers Peter McNamara of Burnt Hills and John (Gerri) McNamara of Massachusetts; her stepchildren Christine (Ralph) Graziano of Utica, Greg (Nancy) Wrate of New Hartford, Kevin (Tracy) Wrate of Florida, Tracy (Frank) Curran of Albany; stepdaughter-in-law, Karen Wrate; nieces and nephews, Michelle Roback, Michael Roback, Barbara Roback, Katie (Art) Markis, Chris Roback, T.J. McNamara, Cheryl (Warren) Eckel, Jeremy (Kate) McNamara, Jessica (Cooper) Marshall; many beloved step-grandchildren, grandnieces & grandnephews, step-great-grandchildren, great-grandnephews, and longtime family friend Steve Spudie. She was predeceased by her husband John Wrape, stepson Dennis Wrate, niece Sue Roback, and grandnephew Derek Markis.

In lieu of flowers, please consider DonorsChoose.org/honor-G in memory of Gretchen. This Giving Page supports classroom initiatives like the ones she championed over the years — especially meaningful literacy projects and efforts to ensure all students have access to books. Please join us in honoring G by making a donation of any amount.

For online expressions of sympathy go to fwefh.com.