Dagmar Günther-Stirn

Dagmar D. Günther-Stirn, 81, passed away in her home in Cromwell. She was the beloved daughter of late Wilhelm and Emilia Marcella Günther-Stirn , the sister of Mignon Kolb of Warwick, RI., and aunt to Alexander Kolb and his wife Faith of Massachusetts, Christopher Kolb and his wife Staci of RI , Lilly, Timothy, Benjamin, Christopher Jr., Charles Kolb and many cousins. Her beloved Sheltie, Leddy, who accompanied her everywhere, went to Doggie Heaven last year. Born in Tienjin, China, she traveled to all corners of the world – from Antarctica to Africa, Canada, North & South America, British Isles, Scotland, all of Europe, Turkey, Egypt, Greece, and , of course, several trips to China - and she enjoyed every minute of it. Her knowledge of history was extensive and she was often able to assist tourist guides. Dagmar graduated from the Tenacre and Dana Hall Schools, and from Wellesley College in 1953. She received her Masters from Columbia University’s School of International Affairs and did the bulk of her research for her dissertation in Berlin, Germany. As a Dana Hall alumnus, she was Class Agent for many years, a Corporator of the school, founding member of the Helen Temple Cooke Society and a member of many fundraising committees at both Dana Hall and Wellesley College. Following her studies in Berlin, she became an adjunct professor in Political Science for a few years at the University of Connecticut and later at the University of Hartford. Dagmar was a great lover and supporter of the arts in Hartford, Newport and New York City. She was a longtime subscriber to the Hartford Symphony, Hartford Stage and Theater Works. A very loyal subscriber to the Metropolitan Opera for 50 years, she often attended Tuesday nights as well as Saturday afternoon performances. Her tailgate parties in garage of the Metropolitan before performances were famous and the food delicious. The number of organizations she served and supported was vast, among them the Wadsworth Atheneum, Archeology Society of Hartford (past president), World Affairs Council of Connecticut, and the Hartford Conservatory. She sang with the New Britain Opera Society and participated in the medieval pageant of the Boar’s Head and Yule Log Festival at Epiphany at the Asylum Hill Congregational Church. Dagmar had a full and interesting life. She was compassionate and fun-loving, and a loyal friend to many. She will be sorely missed. In celebration of her life, a Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, March 21, 2013 at 11:00 AM at the Asylum Hill Congregational Church, 814 Asylum Ave., Hartford. With a reception immediately following the service. Donations in her name may be made to either Asylum Hill Congregational Church, Wellesley College, Wellesley, MA or to a charity of your choice.

Dagmar Günther-Stirn

March 8, 2013