Betty Kunkel-Fisher

Betty Kunkel-Fisher died June 1, 2014, after a long battle with cancer and dementia. She was 88. 

She was born Aug. 12, 1925, to Elsie and George Martens and married Henry Kunkel in January 1949. Together they raised their children, Louis, Henry Jr. and Ellen.

According to family, Ms. Kunkel-Fisher enjoyed ice skating and became quite adept at figure skating and ice dancing as a member of the Skating Club of New York. She enjoyed traveling with her husband, Henry, who was an internationally recognized scientist. They purchased a summer residence on Nassau Point in 1959.

After Henry’s death in 1983, Ms. Kunkel-Fisher moved to the summer home and made Cutchogue her permanent residence. She went back to school and graduated as an assistant physical therapist and returned to work.

Ms. Kunkel-Fisher married John G. “Jack” Fisher in May 1991. They lived on Nassau Point, where family members said they were a big part of the local community and members of Old Cove Yacht Club. They were also avid boaters, frequently spending time on Peconic Bay.

Ms. Kunkel-Fisher was predeceased by her first husband, Henry; her second husband, John; and her daughter, Ellen Bagden. She is survived by her two sons; two stepdaughters, Nancy and Sandra; a stepson, Jay; seven grandchildren; six step-grandchildren; a great-granddaughter; and two step-great-grandsons.

The family will receive visitors Friday, June 6, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Coster-Heppner Funeral Home in Cutchogue. A funeral service will take place Saturday, June 7, at 8:30 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Southold.