Ringler, Edgra Owen Kessel

Edgra Owen Kessel Ringler

Edgra Owen Kessel Ringler was surrounded by loving family members when she passed in her sleep on September 26, 2021, at the age of 88. “Eddie” was named after her British great aunts Edith and Grace Owen, O.B.E. She was raised in Storrs, CT, the daughter of Quinta Cattell Kessel and Marcel Hartwig Kessel. She graduated from the Storrs Grammar School, Windham High School, and Cornell University and was self-employed as a skilled cytologist.

She was married to the love of her life, Ira Ringler, and was a loving second mother to Ira's children, Susan,

Julie and Ralph. During their 50 years together, they traveled to over 50 countries. They enjoyed scuba diving, hiking, and learning about different cultures. For years Eddie bred beloved dachshunds. She was an excellent cook and a gracious host, welcoming friends and family to their home, whether serving an elegant meal by candlelight or crabs on the dock. No one made better pies. A Connecticut farm girl at heart, Eddie loved to maintain her bountiful vegetable garden, next to Ira's rose garden. She always looked forward to the return of the large flock of tundra swans who spent winters off their dock; she fed them daily.

She was pre-deceased by her husband Ira in 2020. Eddie is survived by Susan Ringler of New York City, NY; Julie Ringler Powell, her husband, Richard of Santa Barbara, CA and son, Jackson; and Ralph Ringler, his wife Linda of Stevenson, MD and their children, Matthew and Rebecca; her brother Quentin Kessel and his wife Margaret of Storrs, CT and their children Lori and Scott; as well as many nieces and nephews, and friends. She also leaves Fatima Moufid, who lovingly cared for Eddie and Ira for many years, together with her children MiMi and Ahmed. Eddie was pre-deceased

by her siblings, McKeen Cattell Kessel of Woburn, MA; Brina Kessel Roof, of Fairbanks, AK; and Jo Kessel Buyske of Princeton, PA and Charlottesville, VA. She will greatly missed by her family, friends, and swans.

Donations may be made in memory of Edgra Ringler to the Marcel and Quinta Cattell Kessel Family Memorial Site Fund. Please make checks payable to: The UConn Foundation (30467) and forward to 2390 Alumni Drive Unit 3026, Storrs, CT 06269. Services will be held by the family at a later date.

Please sign guestbook at courant.com/obituaries