Gretchen Elizabeth (Leffler) Carle

Gretchen Elizabeth Carle, 75, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at Baptist Health Nursing Home in Scotia following a brief illness, with her family by her side.

Born on March 11, 1950, to John and Winifred Leffler, Gretchen was a proud 1969 graduate of Scotia-Glenville High School. Immediately after graduation, she entered the workforce and began her career in the Security Department at KAPL in Schenectady, NY. She dedicated 41 years of service before retiring in 2010.

In 1978, she met her beloved husband, George Carle, and they were married shortly thereafter. Together they built a life centered on family and raised two beautiful children, Matthew and Stephanie, who were her whole world.

In retirement, Gretchen enjoyed motorcycle rides, day trips, doing puzzles, and shopping with her daughter. Above all else, she cherished time spent with her family. Her greatest joy was being “Grandma” to her seven grandchildren, who brought endless pride and happiness to her life.

She was predeceased by her parents, John and Winifred Leffler, and her best friend, Barbara Salato.

She is survived by her devoted husband, George Carle; her sisters, Gayle of Scotia, Brenda (Skip) Goyette of Scotia, and Janelle (Neil) Kirschman of Dunedin, FL; her children, Matthew Carle (Christine) of Clifton Park and Stephanie Cook (Matthew) of Gilboa; her seven beloved grandchildren, Kaleb, Deanna, Briana, Matthew, Hannah, Nicholas, and Greyson; and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Bekkering-Ellis Funeral Home in Scotia, with doors opening at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Memory Gardens in Albany, with a gathering afterward at 1:00 p.m. at the Turf Tavern in Scotia.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation or the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

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