Gretchen Zikeli Corker

Gretchen Zikeli Corker passed away peacefully on March 8, 2022 at the forever age of 79…wink wink. Gretchen was born in Ellwood City, PA on February 5, 1942. She graduated from Lincoln High School then proceeded to West Virginia University where she graduated with a degree in Social Work. Gretchen worked as a social worker in Wheeling, WV where her main focus was caring for abandoned newborns. In 1976, Gretchen and her family made the move to Gadsden, AL where she began a 32 year career as a revered yet sometimes feared Catholic school teacher. She continued as a substitute teacher for St. James well beyond retirement. Gretchen was a devoted member of St. James Catholic Church and enjoyed singing in the choir for many years and was also a frequent and eloquent lector. Her favorite pastimes included reading everything the library had to offer, pilates with Jane, studying genealogy of the Zikeli family with her cousin Bets, cheering on the Pittsburgh Steelers with local Steeler fans, attending Gadsden Titan soccer, and traveling with Bernie and her grandchildren. And an occasional “glass” of wine. Gretchen was preceded in death by her parents, John and Mitzie Zikeli, and her husband, Bernard Calwell Corker. She is survived by her four children; Sean, Lesley, Rachel Elizabeth, Samantha, and her beloved dog, Baxter. Sean, a graduate of Jacksonville State University and Gadsden State Community College, is a nurse in Collinsville, AL. Sean and his wife, Tara, their son, Dylan, and daughter and son-in-law, Anna Lee and Jacob Putman, preside in Douglas, Alabama. Lesley, an Auburn mechanical engineer graduate, is employed by The Coca- Cola Company in Atlanta, GA. Rachel Elizabeth "Liz", an Auburn business graduate, lives in Grand Rapids, MI, with husband, Steve, daughter, Lilly, and son, Zeke. Samantha, a Mississippi State graduate, teaches math and coaches soccer at Gadsden City High School. Special thanks to the nurses and doctors of the Critical Care Unit at Riverview Regional Medical Center and their compassionate care for Gretchen. A funeral mass will be held at St. James Catholic Church on Saturday, March 12, 2022 at 12:00pm with lunch to follow in Seton Hall. Visitation will be open starting at 11:00am. In lieu of flowers please make donations in Gretchen’s name to St. James Catholic School (www.stjamesgadsden.org/giving/online-donations) or Gadsden City Soccer Program ( 1917 Black Creek Pkwy, Gadsden, AL 35904).

Gretchen Zikeli Corker

February 5, 1942 - March 8, 2022