Gretchen Mayr - Obituary

retchen Taylor Mayr, a beloved and lifelong resident of Sherwood Forest, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Saturday, May 31, 2025 after a long and courageous battle with illness. She was surrounded by the love and legacy of a life well lived. Gretchen is survived by her loving children: Lisa Hamlin, Matthew Mayr, and Heather Tackney and her beloved grandchildren: Christian Mayr, Abby Mayr, Charlie Mayr, Alexis Tackney, Hunter Tackney, and Ashley Tackney. She was preceded in death by the love of her life, Thomas Mayr, with whom she shared a deep and enduring bond. For over 40 years, Gretchen served as both the heart and the hands of the Sherwood Forest Water Company. Her work there was more than a job, it was a calling that shaped her days and enriched her community. In addition to her work with the Water Company, Gretchen ran the Sherwood Forest Archives, where she preserved the history and heart of the community, meticulously gathering photographs, stories, and memorabilia from Sherwood’s founding to the present. One of her most challenging and favorite projects was identifying faces in Summer Camp group photos, some dating back over 60 years, a task that revealed her commitment to preserving the spirit and history of the place she loved. Gretchen co-authored two treasured books documenting the history of Sherwood Forest homes and their generations of owners: “Smothers, Open Those Old Brown Gates” and “Sherwood on the Severn Blue”. These works stand as lasting tributes to her passion for storytelling and community. She also had a deep love for animals, especially her dogs who were always close by her side. Her faithful companion Toby held a special place in her heart, fiercely loyal and protective, a true source of comfort and companionship. Gretchen's joy, laughter, and wisdom brought warmth and happiness to everyone fortunate enough to know her. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched, the history she preserved, and the family who loved her deeply. A memorial gathering will be held at the Sherwood Forest Clubhouse on Thursday, June 26 and you are welcome to join us anytime between 5 to 7 PM to celebrate her life. All who knew and loved Gretchen are welcome to attend and celebrate her remarkable life. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Gretchen’s memory to the Sherwood Forest Archives, C/O Club Office, 134 Sherwood Forest Road, Sherwood Forest, MD 21405. Online condolences may be offered using the Memories link on this page.