Remembering Rocks Volunteer Ann Gruczka

Ann “Annie” Gruczka (Nov 11, 1952 – July 23, 2020) passed away after an eight year battle against breast cancer. Annie was a volunteer at the Forest Society's The Rocks property for nearly 25 years. She worked as a docent on the horse drawn wagons during the Christmas tree season, led wildflower tours on the “Mile Path,” and presented the Wild Edibles lunch during the spring wildflower festival. Annie was a longtime member of the Bretzfelder Memorial Park Committee, up to the time of her death and served as secretary for most of her tenure.

Besides Annie’s work with and for SPNHF, she was a talented fiber artist, professional weaver and spinner. Annie was an elementary school teacher, and upon moving to Bethlehem from Manchester, NH, she (Mrs. G) was a regular as a substitute teacher. 

Annie was a fixture in Bethlehem where she was often seen knitting in front of the local yarn store, walking to do errands in town, planting the flower boxes in town, organizing or running the concessions at The Colonial Theatre, and reading Tarot cards as “Madame Gruczka” during the town’s Boo Fest. Until recently Annie and her husband Lon Weston ran the Sherman Inn, on Main Street in Bethlehem.

Annie had the warmest of smiles and was always ready to give a helping hand. Those of us who volunteered with Annie will miss her deeply, but we carry with us such fond memories of a grand lady.

- Nancy Czarny