Gretchen Hills Flock, 90, died peacefully in Arlington MA on November 14, 2022.

Born in Williamsport PA to Dr. Herman Flock and Doris Hills Flock (later Eustis), she grew up in Darien CT. As an adult, she migrated to New York City for the 1950s and then to Massachusetts where she lived in Cambridge, Stow, Concord and Arlington, with over a decade in Washington DC along the way.

Starting out as an editorial page at Women's Wear Daily, Gretchen later attended Harvard Extension School to become a scientific editor focusing on the environment, a profession in which she excelled. Her employers and clients ranged from Massachusetts Audubon's Sanctuary Magazine to the White House for which she helped edit speeches for three US presidents, Ronald Regan, George H. Bush and Bill Clinton.

A book lover, particularly of British mid-century novels, Gretchen also managed bookstores in the Washington DC and Boston areas; and, volunteered for public libraries. She served on the building committee for Stow's Randall Library bicentennial expansion, identified and priced rarities for Washington D.C.'s Cleveland Park Library book sales and helped at Arlington Public Library's Fox & Robbin Shop (aka The Little Fox.) She passionately believed in the importance of encouraging children's reading.

Gretchen also adored European cheeses, New Mexican Chili Rellenos and Arlington's Café Barada. Her other loves included the art of Henry Moore, vividly patterned dresses by Marimekko and the Boston Red Sox. As a lifelong liberal Democrat, she was proudest of actively protesting the Vietnam War.

Gretchen is survived by her children, Michael Charles Herman Holland of Alexandria VA, Molly Bloom Holland of Middletown RI, Rachel Seng Holland of Newbury MA and Anne Hills Holland of Providence RI.  She is also survived by her siblings, Cecily Robinson of Vernon CT and J. Christopher Eustis of Tucson AZ.

The family held a burial in Williamsport PA's Wildwood Cemetery but asks for donations to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center of Austin TX in lieu of flowers.