Gretchen Poston; Former Social Secretary to Rosalynn Carter

Gretchen Poston, 58, social secretary to former First Lady Rosalynn Carter. After leaving the Carter White House, Mrs. Poston was associated with Washington Inc., a consulting firm for social events and conventions. She also was a co-author of the “Wonderful Wedding Workbook,” published in 1966, and organized social events for the Democratic national conventions of 1964, 1972 and 1976. Former President Jimmy Carter and his wife said in a statement: “We are deeply saddened by the loss of our very dear friend. Gretchen was an extraordinary woman who touched our lives in countless ways. Her gift to the White House was her talent and creativity. Her gift to us was joy, laughter and beauty. We will miss our friend.” In Washington on Monday of breast cancer after undergoing a radical mastectomy in 1988.