Ingrid Shaw

DURHAM — Ingrid Shaw (Gsottschneider) passed away on October 21, 2011, at her brother's home in Durham after a long, courageous battle with cancer. Here she was cared for by her brother and his family, as well as by Ralph Bonavist, her partner of many years.

Ingrid was born on May 14th, 1947, in Floral Park, New York, to Ernst and Johanna Gsottschneider. She attended Floral Park Memorial High School in New York, and the University of New Hampshire in Durham, from which she graduated in 1974 with a Bachelor of Arts in English.

In addition to being a gifted accordion player and former fashion model in New York City, Ingrid was an avid sailor, outdoors person, equestrian and breeder of race horses. She sailed across the Atlantic Ocean several times, once on the War Baby, a racing yacht formerly owned by Ted Turner and used in an America Cup race. She also co-produced an exercise video called "The Workout for Equestrians." Ingrid loved animals, especially horses, and competed in numerous dressage events with her horses, both in New Hampshire and in Florida, where she lived for the past 15 years. She also owned and bred thoroughbred race horses with her partner, and one of their horses, Louie the Slew, won a major race in Saratoga, New York, in 2004.

Ingrid leaves behind: her brother, Richard Gsottschneider and his wife Kathleen, of Durham; as well as three nieces, Christine Gsottschneider of York, Maine; Polly Goodwin of Lee, and Nicole Gsottschneider of Durham. She also leaves: a great niece, Emma Liria Gsottschneider; and two great-nephews, Gabriel Goodwin and Alexander Goodwin. In addition to many friends all along the East Coast, she also leaves behind her loving partner, Ralph Bonavist from Ocala, Florida, and Westport, New York.

Ingrid was a kind, generous and loving person, full of life, energy and adventure. She made friends wherever she went and will be missed by all who knew her. Her spirit of love and kindness and her belief in the goodness of all people will live on. Ingrid prayed for peace and love in this world. Please pray with her.

There will be a private ceremony celebrating her life for family and close friends. Donations in her memory can be made to either Heifer Project International, or your local SPCA.

Visit www.kentandpelczarfh.com to sign an online guestbook.

Visit www.fosters.com/obits for an online guest book.