Karin Gottier

Karin Gottier
Karin Gottier, of Tolland, formerly of Vernon, passed away on July 28, 2025, at the age of 89.
She was born in Berlin, Germany, to Wilhelm and Martha, and spent her early years there and on the North Sea Frisian Island of Norderney, where children from Berlin were sent following World War II due to the limited resources in the city. At the age of 15, Karin immigrated to the United States after her mother recognized the hardships of postwar Berlin and made the selfless decision to send her daughter to live with her Aunt Helen and Uncle Hans in Ellington, Connecticut.
Karin entered her new life with courage. She taught herself English and graduated from Rockville High School with honors. After graduation, she began a successful career at the Sage-Allen & Company flagship store in Hartford, starting as a clerk and quickly being promoted to the youngest Buyer in the company's history. In addition to her role as Buyer, she led the Teen Board and portrayed Mrs. Claus for many years during the holiday season, accompanied by Christopher, the talking reindeer.
While working full-time, Karin attended the University of Connecticut, where she earned both her bachelor's and master's degrees in education.
Karin was an accomplished author, having published numerous books and articles on German culture. She had a deep appreciation for people from all backgrounds and especially enjoyed connecting with fellow immigrants to the United States. Her list of professional accomplishments is extensive, but the one she was most proud of was receiving the Order of Merit-Germany's highest civilian honor-for her outstanding promotion and preservation of German culture abroad.
A lifelong dancer, Karin's passion began with ballet in childhood and blossomed into a distinguished career as a folk-dance teacher. She was a longtime member of the Hartford Saengerbund, where she led the dance group. She also founded the North American Federation of Folk Dance Groups, and was actively involved with the Hartford Arts Festival, World Education Fellowship, New England Folk Festival Association, Community Folk Dancers, and the Gwiazda Polish Folklore Ensemble.
Her expertise in Swiss and German folk dances led her to teach across the United States as an instructor at several universities. She also conducted workshops internationally, including in Japan, Canada, and Mexico.
Karin was predeceased by her beloved husband of 60 years, Nelson R. Gottier. She is survived by their daughter, Brenna Fastiggi; her son-in-law, Tony Fastiggi, III; and her cherished granddaughter, Addison Fastiggi. She also leaves behind family in Europe, along with many beloved nieces, nephews, and a wide community of friends and fellow dancers.
Calling hours will be held on Saturday, August 9th, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at the Ladd-Turkington & Carmon Funeral Home, 551 Talcottville Rd. (Rt. 83), in Vernon, Connecticut, with a service to begin at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Ellington Center Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Friends of Folklore Village, 3210 County Rd. BB, Dodgeville, WI 53533, in honor of Karin's lifelong dedication to traditional dance and cultural heritage. To leave an online message of condolence for her family, please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com .