Celine Schretlen

Celine Schretlen, 86, of Asheville, began her celestial journey October 27th, 2015. Celine was born April 15, 1929 in Nijmegen Holland to the late Francis Schretlen and Elizabeth (Purcell) Schretlen. One of ten siblings, Celine was an adolescent during WW II and witnessed first-hand the depravities of war including the loss of a sister and brother. In 1947 she and her family emigrated to the U.S. and settled in Staten Island, NY. Celine is survived by four sisters, Helen of Hightstown NJ, Agnes of Philadelphia and Betty and Josie of Denver CO. She is survived by her former husband Peter Pelly of Burgaw, NC. Together they had nine children; Mary DiSalvo of Asheville, Peter (deceased at birth), Morgan Pelly and wife Lisa of Fletcher, NC, Sharon Argenbright of Sante Fe, NM, Chris Pelly and wife Juanita Igo of Asheville, Michael Pelly of Olympia, WA, Gregory Pelly of Thompson, PA, Celine Pele, McKinleyville, CA, and Joe Pelly and wife Sara of Keller TX. In addition she leaves behind nineteen grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Celine's love of art was woven throughout her adult life and included giving painting lessons to hundreds of children and adults and organizing annual art shows and exhibitions. This led to multiple careers as an art teacher, studio and framing shop owner and later, after earning a masters degree, an art therapist helping clients through the expressive power of painting. Still later, Celine joined the Peace Corps at age 63 serving in Kingston, Jamaica bringing art therapy to trauma victims. A resident of Asheville since 1994, Celine found a home in St. Eugene's Catholic Church and made many lasting friendships. With an abiding bias for the little guy and those on society's margins, Celine made real her religion serving those in need through the Society of St. Vincent DePaul and Habitat for Humanity. Although fiercely independent, Celine's legacy is a life of compassionate cheerful service and an unbending belief in the redemptive power of faith and the arts. In lieu of flowers her wish is donations be made to the Society of St. Vincent DePaul and the Dorothy Day Society, both at St. Eugene's Church. A viewing and wake will be Friday, October 30th from 6 to 8:30pm at Groce Funeral Home, 856 Tunnel Rd. A celebration of her life will be Saturday, October 31st at 10am in St. Eugene's Catholic Church, 72 Culver St. Asheville.