Gretchen Patricia Mager

IN MEMORY OF: Gretchen Patricia Mager Serving Location: CRAIN PLEASANT GROVE-MURDALE FUNERAL HOME 31 Memorial Drive, Murphysboro, Illinois Gretchen Patricia Mager, age 51, of Collinsville, Illinois, passed away on Monday, January 19, 2026, at Anderson Hospital in Maryville, Illinois, due to a cardiovascular condition. She was born on May 1, 1974, to Brian and Gloria (Cerrato) Mager in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. Gretchen graduated from Carbondale High School and earned her degree in Finance from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. Gretchen lived a life defined by kindness, generosity, and love. As a proud Cubs fan, she understood patience, loyalty, and hope in a way that felt uniquely her. She had a deep affection for animals, and anyone who witnessed the tenderness with which she cared for her pets saw the true depth of her compassion. She loved traveling with family, attending concerts, and embracing every opportunity to enjoy life. She moved through the world at her own gentle pace, reminding those around her that life isn’t a race and that slowing down can be its own kind of wisdom. Gretchen gave freely and without expectation, offering kindness simply because it was who she was. She was a cherished friend whose support never wavered, a cousin whose warmth and humor brightened every family gathering, an aunt who would move mountains for the people she loved, and a daughter and sister who was treasured more than she ever knew. Gretchen worked as a Financial Broker at Wells Fargo for 17 years and had recently begun an exciting new chapter with & Partners Wealth Management. She was many things to many people and Gretchen leaves behind a legacy of generosity, humor, hard work and love. She showed us how to live with open hearts, how to root for the underdog and how to turn everyday moments into cherished memories. Along with her mother, survivors include her sister, Heather (Aaron) Moore; nephew, Riley Moore; niece, Emma Moore; aunts and uncles, Carlos D. (Isabel) Cerrato, Leny (Miguel) Cerrato, Sara (Bruce) Fleming, Carlos A. Cerrato, Carlos D. (Claudia) Cerrato, Carlos J. (Yelitza) Cerrato, Carlos R. (Coral Diane) Cerrato; and Lance (Linda) Mager; grandmother, Christina Cerrato; twenty cousins; and countless people fortunate enough to call her a friend. She is preceded in death by her father, Brian Mager; grandfathers, Carlos A. Cerrato and Norman Mager; grandmother, Audrey Mager; and her uncle, Scott (Blanca) Mager. A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, January 30, 2026 at 12:00 PM with Rocio Williams officiating at Crain Pleasant Grove – Murdale Funeral home. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 10:00 AM until 12:00 PM at the funeral home. Interment will follow the service at Murdale Gardens of Memory. The family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions be made to St. Francis CARE in Murphysboro. The Cremation of Gretchen Patricia Mager will be personally handled by the staff of Crain Funeral Home. Crain Pleasant Grove-Murdale Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Gretchen Patricia Mager

May 1, 1974 - January 19, 2026