Mary Gretchen (Renner) Devlin of Rye, New York, passed away peacefully on August 11, 2026, surrounded by her beloved family and close friends. Gretchen, as she was known to all, was the third child and only daughter of William Wilford and Leah Margaret “Marnie” Renner of Bronxville, New York. She was 81 years old. She was predeceased by her parents and her eldest brother, William.
Gretchen is survived by her three children, Leah Ann DeCaro (Phil), Mary Christine “Tia,” and Paul John III; seven grandchildren, Carson, Callie, Colin, Molly, Paul, Maggie, and Tommy; and her two brothers, David and Richard (Susan).
After graduating from Bronxville High School, where she was a four-sport athlete, cheerleader, and All-American field hockey player, Gretchen attended Marymount College. She later worked at the New York-based advertising agency, Benton & Bowles.
On February 26, 1966, she married Paul John Devlin Jr., and raised their three children in Rye, New York. Their home became a hub for family and friends, especially during the summers and holidays. Gretchen loved to throw a party. Inclusive by nature, more was always merrier for her. She was well known for her vivacious personality, boundless generosity, and remarkable ability to make people feel welcome.
Gretchen was an avid tennis and paddle tennis player. She always had a racquet in her hand and several more to lend. For more than a decade, she taught paddle at various country clubs throughout Westchester County. Later, she became the coach of the Varsity Boys’ Tennis Team at Rye Country Day School. Over the years, her children heard countless times from her former “pupils” that Gretchen was the best teacher and coach they ever had.
Gretchen turned a lifelong passion for antiques, inherited from her mother, into a business venture when she opened “Gretchen’s Loft” in Port Chester, New York. For years, she could be found scouring local flea markets, antique shops, and yard sales, on the hunt for treasure and always ready to wheel and deal with fellow enthusiasts. She loved the thrill of the find almost as much as the people she met along the way.
Gretchen had a gift for friendship and formed lasting relationships with people of every generation. Age mattered little to Gretchen; she was just as comfortable laughing with her grandchildren and their friends as she was spending time with those she had known for decades.
Her greatest loves were her children and grandchildren. She rarely missed one of their games or matches, whether it was field hockey, football, soccer, wrestling, basketball, tennis, lacrosse, or rugby. Affectionately known as ”Nanny” by her grandchildren, she loved nothing more than spoiling and cheering them on; it’s no wonder her voice was often hoarse.
Gretchen could light up a room. She smiled often and laughed easily. Her family and friends will forever remember her unmistakable voice, her sweet tooth, her competitive spirit, and her wonderful sense of fun.
There is a celebration of life being planned for mid-September
