Kingston, NY – Ingrid Gunther (Fetkoter) Fetkoeter, age 73, passed away Saturday, June 27, 2015 from ovarian cancer at home in Kingston, NY after a long illness. Born October 25, 1941 in Prague, Czechoslovakia, she was the daughter of the late Friedrich and Ilse Gunther Fetkoter. She grew up in Gottingen, Germany and after graduating high school, attended the Hospital School of Nursing in Witzenhausen, Germany. In December 1964 she came to America for a temporary job in Beacon, NY. where she worked as a private duty registered nurse and then chose to stay to pursue a life in America. She then worked in the operating room at the former Highland Hospital in Beacon, NY. She also went on to work at Vassar Brothers Hospital for many years during the 1970’s and early 80’s.
On September 24, 1966, she married the late Edward H. Burns and with him had their two children, Stephen and Stephanie who reside in Poughkeepsie, NY and Rotterdam, NY respectively. In the later 1970’s, after separating from Ed, she began the next part of her life when she embarked on a life long journey of recovery from her addiction to alcohol and in the process assisted hundreds of others on their paths. She was instrumental in many community efforts in support of others leading their lives free from drugs and alcohol.
During the 1980’s, Ingrid completed her Bachelor’s degree and became a Nurse Practitioner while working for the New York State Office of Mental Health in order to serve those suffering from both mental illness and addiction. She began work as an instructor at DCC for the NYS Drinking Driver Program and as a CASAC instructor. Also during this decade one of her happiest accomplishments was becoming a citizen of the United States of America. She experienced her citizenship quite proudly and gratefully. She was a steadfast voter and participant in our governmental and political processes. She had been known to attend a protest rally or two.
In the early 1990’s, Ingrid met her life partner, Art Palmer originally of Dover Plains currently of Kingston, NY, with whom she spent the rest of her life. They have enjoyed many wonderful adventures together. In addition she leaves behind her sister Jutta Fetkoter Lenz and her husband Hilmar Lenz of Kirberg, Germany, her grandchildren Sean Burns and Ryan Burns, sons of her son Stephen and their mother Christine Ciccone; and Kiera Stack and Sarah Stack, daughters of her daughter Stephanie and their father Patrick Stack. She will also be missed by her niece Jutta Jenak and nephew Hilmar Lenz of Germany, her Aunt Ingeborg Luce’ also of Germany and her cousin Elke Crone-Sturmber of the Netherlands. Ingrid will also be missed by her life long friend Ingrid Willkehr as well as her acquired family of Aura Burns and Maya Burns and so many others with whom she appreciated spending her time.
During the 1990’s and 2000’s, Ingrid continued her service as a leader in education and addiction recovery holding the positions of President and board member of the Dutchess County Council on Alcoholism and Chemical Dependency and, as well, sat on numerous boards- including High Watch Recovery Center in Kent, Ct and also on numerous advisory committees. She is remembered also for introducing Tai Chi to those in early recovery.
In Ingrid’s later years, she transitioned to less work and greater enjoyment of her family and volunteer pursuits. She dedicated countless hours to the love and care of her grandchildren and other family with the celebration of many special but also ordinary days- she enjoyed visits, travels and making meals for her family which will be warmly remembered. She was happy to retire in Dec 2011 and began volunteering for several of her favorite causes including political campaigns and as a guide for the Historic Huguenot Street District in New Paltz. She loved history, particularly early American. Mom also loved genealogy and was an active family researcher. She was a lifelong participant in the Harvard Nurses Health Study. She practiced yoga as a student in Kingston. She was an early Walkway Over the Hudson supporter, volunteer and enthusiast. And Mother was a health-nut when it came to her diet- often attempting to sneak some kale in to her various concoctions. Ingrid was a tremendously resourceful and creative person who could fashion a meal, a repair or improvisation out of almost anything at hand. She loved her bird watching and semi-wild gardens. Ingrid had a way of getting to know a person that was very authentic and she was often straight forward in speaking her mind which many people appreciated about her.
In her last act of service, Ingrid had arranged for the donation of her body to the Albany Medical College in order to further the advancement of education for medical students. Calling hours will be held at Cunneen-Hackett Arts Center, 9 Vassar Street, Poughkeepsie, NY on Sunday, July 19th from 1-3 followed by memorial service from 3-4 where anyone may share. There will be coffee, cakes and refreshments. Come and share a story or a memory with us.
Final interment will be at The Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery at a later date to be announced and will be open to those who wish to attend.
Flowers and condolence messages will be gratefully received to c/o Stephen Burns, 19 Streit Ave, Poughkeepsie, NY 12603 but also consider a donation to Mom’s favorite causes- Doctors Without Borders , Hudson Valley Hospice or The Huguenot Street Historic District.
