Gretchen Hoeltzel, 56, of West Stockbridge passed away on December 13, 2022 at Berkshire Medical Center with her husband and mother by her side.
Born in Elkhart, Indiana, on July 2, 1966, she was the daughter of Rudolph L. and Mary Ball Hoeltzel. She grew up in Indiana and Westport, Conn. and graduated with honors from the University of Massachusetts.
She married Alan Champney of Dennis, Mass. in September 1994 and spent most of her married life on the Cape, where she and Alan owned and operated L’Alouette Bistro in Harwichport. She enjoyed days off at the outer beach and long walks with the many dogs she adopted. Along with Alan, she loved hosting and feasting with family and friends. She is remembered by all who knew her for her loving kindness, gentleness, and free spirit.
Gretchen is survived by her husband, Alan; her mother, Mary of Stockbridge; her brother, Lloyd Hoeltzel and wife Angela and daughter Sylvie (Gretchen’s niece) of Secaucus, N.J.; and several cousins and extended family.
There will be a Celebration of Life for Gretchen on the Cape in April. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Berkshire Humane Society in care of Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230. To send remembrances to the family, please go to the funeral home’s website.
