"It is with a heavy heart that I must report that we lost our Etta," Executive Director Gaye Smith announced to the Family Connection Partnership (FCP) staff after contracts manager Etta Reteneller lost a two-year battle with cancer Feb. 1. "As is not surprising, Etta put up a good fight against cancer and was with us far longer than most who faced what she did. The blessing is that she died peacefully at home with friends. We are all better from having the opportunity to know her."

Etta, who had been with Family Connection since 1994, was diagnosed with cancer in February 2005 and continued to work at the FCP office in Atlanta three days a week until January 2007. She was widowed twice, so her work and church friends were her family and support. She never went to the doctor or a cancer treatment alone, and she was blessed to find caregiver Sandra Durham, who stayed with her.

"Etta was always ready to assist counties in her polite, helpful manner," recalled colleague Linda Long. "She listened carefully and would help in any way she could. During the early days Etta traveled to county collaboratives to answer questions about contracts and reporting."

Etta sings lead vocals as Linda Long accompanies her at a staff retreat.

Before joining FCP, Etta was an executive assistant for Colonial and A&P grocery stores. During that time she studied to be a clown and frequently helped open new grocery stores. She later became part of a clown ministry, visiting hospitals and nursing homes, and participating in other charitable causes.

Etta loved working with children, gardening, dancing, reading, music, and playing the organ. She enjoyed getting together with friends, cooking and travelling, and she knew all the best outlet malls from Valdosta to North Georgia.

A past president and life member of Executive Women International, Etta served as president of the Atlanta Chapter Volunteer in community activities, and as mentor/tutor at a local charter school. She was frequently consulted on Roberts Rules of Order, wrote the by-laws for her church, served as church clerk, taught Sunday school, and sang in the choir until she was no longer able to because of illness. Her faith was an inspiration to all.

From left: Bob Spiridigliozzi serves up holiday refreshments to Etta, Director of Finance & Administration Don Walraven, and Linda Long.

"Etta has been key to our success," said Smith. "She was always ready to assist a county and to lend a hand on all projects related to Family Connection. Most importantly, she was a classy lady who brought much dignity and professionalism to our office, not to mention her warm caring personality and her friendship. We are all better from having the opportunity to know her. She loved Family Connection and our staff as her family."

That love continues to live on. Because Etta requested that donations be made to FCP in lieu of flowers, the Partnership is setting up a trust fund in her name.

Read a tribute to Etta Reteneller from Region 8.

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