Gretchen Ann Swinney

Glory, Glory, Hallelujah! The Choir of Angels just welcomed the most precious of souls into their midst! Gretchen Ann Braun Swinney, cherished friend, sister, wife, momma, and GiGi passed away peacefully on February 8, 2024 surrounded by loved ones. She was welcomed into the Kingdom of Heaven by her loving husband, John; her parents, Jake and Katherine Braun; brothers Terence and Paul Braun; and sister, Mary Briggs. She is survived by her children, Paul and Kristi Swinney from Oklahoma City and their children, Emry and Evan; Mary Beth and Steve Battles from Mont Belvieu, TX and their children, Shelby and Raychel; Sarah and Mark Walsh from Old Lyme, CT and their children, Colleen, Kelly, and Kate; and her sister Teresa Smith and brother Pete Braun. 

Gretchen was born on October 24, 1940 in Hobart, Oklahoma.  She graduated from Hobart High School in 1958. She attended OSU for one year as a music major, then attended St. Anthony’s School of Nursing and graduated in 1962. It was while she was in nurses training that she first met her future husband on a blind date. John was smitten right off the bat, and Gretchen thought he was kind of cute (but a little TOO confident) and she wanted some time to experience life as a nurse and single gal before settling down. John kept hanging around and eventually convinced her to travel to Kansas (Rock Chalk Jayhawk!) to meet his sweet family, and that sealed the deal! She finally agreed to marry him and they became wonderful partners in life for 46 years. They first lived in Oklahoma City where they started their family, then moved to San Angelo, TX where Gretchen worked as a labor and delivery nurse. From there, they moved to Enid, OK where Gretchen was an L&D nurse at St. Mary’s Hospital. She later spent the last 12+ years of her career, working with Dr. Ross Rumph’s office, also in Enid, which she refers to “as the icing on the cake”. Her and John later moved back to Oklahoma City in 2003 to be close to grandchildren.

 Gretchen balanced her nursing career, motherhood, and marriage to John like a champ! There were many chaotic evenings when she was slapping sandwiches together as they were running out the door to various events. Gretchen was always her children’s and grandchildren’s biggest fan. She would always tell them how wonderful they did, even if they didn’t do that great. Despite not always knowing the rules of the game, Gretchen was always heard on the sidelines or in the stands cheering. When arthritis took away her ability to clap her hands, Gretchen was given a large plastic clapper that she would wave loudly so her grandchildren would know she was there watching. Her enthusiasm never failed! 

Gretchen had a humble and servant’s heart. She volunteered at the church working side by side with John at Our Daily Bread soup kitchen at St. Francis Xavier Parish in Enid, and on the Bereavement Dinner committee preparing meals for funeral dinners. She and John also sang in the church choir wherever they lived. Gretchen was well known for her strong, beautiful voice that stood out whether singing solo as a cantor, in the choir, or in the car driving her kids around town (much to their irritation when she hit a certain decibel level!). 

Gretchen was blessed with the gift of gab, which were her initials before getting married. She never let the truth get in the way of a really good story! She also never met a stranger and was often pulled into conversations with random people because she couldn’t help but make eye contact and smile wherever she went. Gretchen’s laughter could easily be distinguished in a crowd so her family could always find her. 

Though Gretchen had many talents, the one position that she held in highest esteem was that of GiGi. Her seven grandkids were the joy of her life! She and John were season pass holders to the Oklahoma City Zoo so they always had a place to take the grandkids. Gretchen loved to host sleepovers with all 7 grandkids at her condo. They would run amuck and take over the swimming pool much to the chagrin of the other residents. 

Gretchen and John traveled all over the country together, as well as Ireland. Gretchen continued to travel after John’s passing to visit her grandchildren and to seek adventures in Italy to see the Pope, which was on her bucket list. She never stopped learning and challenging herself, taking sculling classes on the OKC river while in her late 60’s, became certified to teach Tai Chi at the age of 72 and taught classes at her parish in OKC. Most recently, she was trying to pick up a few Spanish phrases while living at Northaven. 

The family would like to express their gratitude for the staff at Northaven (Morado) Assisted Living Center, and the staff from Crossroads Hospice who cared so lovingly for Miss Gretchen. Their compassion, patience, and love for her was such a blessing, and we will be forever grateful. 

A visitation will be held Monday, February 12, from 5-7 at Smith & Kernke Funeral Home, 1401 NW 23rd Street. A rosary will follow at 7:00 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, February 13 at 1:00 pm at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 1901 NW 18^th St. in Oklahoma City. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Ourdailybreadenid.org/donate or Unbound.org which is a nonprofit organization that supports children and the elderly by providing for their daily and educational needs. 

“You are more precious than gold!”-GiGi

To view the memorial Mass, please click the link below:

St. Francis of Assisi Oklahoma City - YouTube