Obituaries
Gretchen Christina Maser, 63
July 22, 1960 - May 11, 2024
She was of the earth, and the sky, and all the animals, and the flowers, and part of any human being who reached out to her kind and kindred spirit. And now, Gretchen Christina Hoffmayer Maser has released her mortal spirit and can be counted among the stars.
Gretchen was the “Martha Stewart of Lancaster”, although she was always too humble to accept that title. She started a small business in her home making soaps and candles and pantry items, and turned it into a local, regional, and national enterprise. Along the way, her homemade jams were featured in Martha Stewart’s “Living” magazine, her products were included in the SAG Awards swag bags, and she garnered many awards and accolades as her creative touch reached from coast to coast.
Born on July 22, 1960, in Rockledge, Pa, Gretchen was the daughter of Raymond and Gretchen Hoffmayer. She made her way to Lancaster, where she owned several successful businesses and made her biggest business mark with Christina Maser Company, which included her hand-crafted products for almost every room in the home, and beyond home. She reached thousands of people with not only her extraordinary products, but with her generous personality and strong spirit. She was a force of nature unlike any other – a fiercely loyal mother, wife, sister, grandmother, friend, neighbor, mentor, and business woman. You definitely wanted to be on Gretchen’s side and felt more powerful just being connected to her.
Supporter of all things Lancaster, she was an entrepreneur, a proponent of women in business, a collaborator, and a visionary. Gretchen embraced a creative and artistic life in all she touched, from cooking and baking, to sewing, to gardening, to making pottery, and extending her talents to all of her business endeavors.
Survivors include her husband, Robert Maser, son Neil Maser, daughter-in-law Sarah Maser, daughter Nora Maser, and grandson Greyson.
She was predeceased by her son Gavin Maser and is survived by Gavin’s daughters Kaydence and Irie.
She is also survived by her sister Lynda Hoffmayer Kimball, brother-in-law Henry Kimball, nephew Christopher Kimball and niece Allison Kimball.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to an animal rescue of your choice, the RASE Project of Lancaster, 131 E Orange St, Lancaster, PA 17602,
RASE Project of Lancaster
or Schreiber Center for Pediatric Development, 625 Community Way, Lancaster, PA 17603
Schreiber Center for Pediatric Development
or Clare House, 344 E. Chestnut St, Lancaster, PA 17602 – causes close to Gretchen’s heart
Clare House
Gretchen was exceedingly generous and selfless with her time and her resources. Gretchen took the needs of all people in all walks of life into her heart and responded with her characteristic generosity. Her kind and giving spirit will live on through the never-ending love of her family and friends, who will miss her deeply, forever.
Gretchen’s family will receive friends from 3 to 4 pm, followed by the Celebration of her life at 4 pm on Friday, May 17, 2024, at the Charles F. Snyder III Funeral Home & Crematory, 2421 Willow Street Pike, Willow Street, PA 17584.
Leave a condolence on this Memorial Page
Condolences to the Family
June 25, 2024
Dear Nora, Neil, and Bob,
Continuing to grieve for and with you and the rest of your family.You are in our thoughts and prayers and will continue to be.
Dawn Knisely Enck
May 22, 2024
So sad to have only heard this news today and wish I could’ve made it to the service. I am so incredibly sorry for this incredible loss. I worked for Gretchen from 2018-2020 and learned so much from her. I thoroughly enjoyed supporting her business and watching it flourish. She was so passionate for her work and her family and it was an honor to have known her. Sending my deepest condolences.
Lauren (deDufour) Sweigart
May 21, 2024
Bob and family,
So sorry for your loss. I met Gretchen and you, Bob, through the Vokorokos family in the late 80’s and was caregiver for Gavin and Neil when they were small children. I remember Gretchen to be caring, compassionate, and so supportive of everyone she knew and loved.
I wish you well, and am thinking of you all during this difficult time. Gretchen (and dear Gavin) will live on in our hearts forever.
Patti Geesey
May 19, 2024
Dear Bob and Family,
I am so sorry to hear this news. Christina was an amazing woman and one I personally looked up to. Always looked forward to seeing her and Bob at the Farm Show where we worked across the isle from each other. This loss is a great one, and she will be remembered for her caring and loving personality.
My condolences,
Mellisa Brownawell
(Miller’s Banana Pepper Sauce 🌶)
May 19, 2024
Bob, so sorry for your (our) loss. What an amazing lady. We are deeply affected and saddened. Our hearts cry with your heart. Just found out today or would have been there without a doubt. You are our Farm Show Family and we love you all.
Denny from Miller’s Banana Pepper Sauce.
May 19, 2024
Bob and family,
We are so very sorry to hear of your loss. We have many memories of times past. Sending you our sincerest condolences.
Debbie and Carson Brooks
May 18, 2024
We loved Gretchen and are so sad to learn of her passing. We will remember her professionalism, work ethic, and generosity of spirit. Sending love to her family as they navigate this unimaginable loss.
-Maia and the Gimme the Good Stuff team
May 17, 2024
Dear Bob and family. Was shocked by the news. My condolences.
Sami Walter
May 16, 2024
To Gretchen’s family & friends:
I knew Gretchen mostly through her son Gavin, as he was good friends with my son Bryan. I enjoyed all her products. Bryan shared with me what a positive force she was. He liked helping her in the past in the basement with candles & soaps. I’m sure he will miss reconnecting with her…as he often speaks of missing Gavin. One small comfort for such an untimely loss is that she is reunited with dear Gavin. May God bless you all in this time of sorrow. 💔🙏🏼
Brenda Fay
May 16, 2024
Dear Nora & family–
I am so sorry to hear of your devasting news. I adored Gretchen. To me, she was a guiding light who willingly shared information to help my business grow. Her words were always so positive and uplifting. I will miss her encouraging conversations and receiving her texts to check up on me. I’m thinking of all of you and praying that God grants you comfort and peace.
Terri Givens (The Main Street Peddler)
May 16, 2024
Bob and Family. So sorry to hear about her passing. I had the pleasure to know her through her friend Yvonne. She was an incredible person with a Big Heart and many Great God given talents. May God Bless and watch over your family.
Brad Shultz (Sauders Eggs)
May 15, 2024
To Bob & Family, We are so sad to hear of your immeasurable, great loss. We are heartbroken with you. Sending love and prayers to you and your beautiful family.
Jonathan & Jennie Groff
May 15, 2024
My sincere condolscenses to the Maser Family and friends. Gretchen was an entrepreneur, care giver, artist, and loved her family. May God give you comfort and peace.
Nancy Marshall
May 15, 2024
Gretchen was one of the smartest people I have ever met. She was strong, committed, and caring. I was always in awe of how much she accomplished and with her committment to doing it right. The world was better for having her in it. I’m sending love and light to her family, friends, and everyone touched by knowing her.
Dana
May 14, 2024
I’ve never known anyone more engaged with the world around her. And how curious she was how things work. She was always telling me about natural cures for whatever illness. It’s so tragic none of them kept her here with us. It gives me and I’m sure all of you, great comfort knowing she is now with her son, Gavin. She was so much fun to be around and I loved playing cards with her. My heart goes out to all of you and I’ll be there for you whenever you need it. Thank you for letting me be apart of your family. I love you all.
Nancy Fulkerson
May 14, 2024
So sorry for your loss Bob, Neil and Nora. My thoughts are with you all! Love to you all! Cindy Keiser
May 14, 2024
My heartfelt condolences to Lynda and all the family regarding the passing of Gretchen. I lit one of her candles and said a prayer for the peaceful repose of her soul.
Sharon Marrella
May 14, 2024
Bob and Family,
We are so sorry for your loss.
Jim and Missy Troiano
May 14, 2024
My sincere condolences to all of Gretchen’s Family and friends she leaves behind. Our hearts are shattered but she will always be reminding us she is watching over us. All our love
Tracy & Bob Artus
- Visitation
- Friday, May 17, 2024
- 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
- Charles F. Snyder III Funeral Home & Crematory
- 2421 Willow Street Pike
- Willow Street, PA 17584
- Map and Directions
-
Get Maps and Directions > - Services
- Friday, May 17, 2024
- 4:00 PM
- Charles F. Snyder III Funeral Home & Crematory
- 2421 Willow Street Pike
- Willow Street, PA 17584
- Map and Directions
-
Get Maps and Directions >