• Alyson Leigh Kretzer

Alyson Leigh Kretzer passed away unexpectedly on January 2, 2019. Aly was loved by her family and friends for her adventurous spirit and unfailing kindness.

Aly was born and raised in Vermont. After high school, her wanderlust led her to travel the country, experiencing new places, friends and music. Before leaving Vermont, Aly met her future husband; serendipity brought them together again during her travels while he was touring with his band.

As many Vermonters do, she found her way back home and started her family while a full-time student at Champlain College, where she graduated with a 4.0 GPA. Aly worked as a financial auditor for several private firms and, most recently, for the State of Vermont.

Welcoming and charismatic, Aly's home was always open to friends, family and neighbors. She loved good conversation and good food and was happiest surrounded by guests in her kitchen. Never losing her yen for travel, she also loved planning trips and new experiences for her family. Aly had a brilliant mind and, in addition to her academic and professional successes, loved reading and podcasts and sharing these interests with others.

Aly lived with many pets in her childhood home and adored animals her whole life. As a young teen, she started a dog-walking business; later, she worked for an animal rescue organization and adopted a dog she found as a stray during her travels. After settling in South Burlington, she soon filled her family's home with pets.

Aly touched many lives with her grace, intelligence and open heart. She will be deeply missed by all who loved her.

Aly is survived by her husband, Aaron Matthews; her children, Ivy and Nico Kretzer-Matthews; her parents, Ken and Kathie Kretzer; and her siblings, Lela Kretzer and Gary Baker. She is also survived by her parents-in-law, Don and Diane Matthews of St. Johnsbury; and brothers-in-law Corey and Sam Matthews; as well as her grandmother, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. Aly was predeceased by two brothers, Christian and Justin Baker-Kretzer; her great-grandmother Lela Dornberger; her maternal grandparents, Jack Bogue and Barbara Slegl; and her paternal grandfather, Howard Kretzer.

There will be a celebration of life held at the Dion Family Center at Saint Michael's College on January 12, from 2 to 5 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Aly's memory at gofundme.com/rally-for-the-kretzermatthews-family.