Ingrid Kolze

Walker Valley, NY

Ingrid Kolze, 69, of Walker Valley, New York, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her family.

Born March 24, 1957, in Levittown, Pennsylvania, Ingrid made Walker Valley, New York, her home for 40 years. She shared 45 years of marriage with her beloved husband, Neal Kolze.

The daughter of Finnish immigrants, Ingrid was deeply proud of her Finnish heritage. Finnish was her first language, and she carried many of the traditions of her heritage throughout her life. She enjoyed keeping those traditions alive, including the Finnish New Year’s Eve tradition of melting tin (tiina) and interpreting the shapes it formed as a glimpse of what the coming year might hold.

Ingrid also embodied the Finnish quality of sisu—an inner strength, determination, and resilience that shaped the woman she was. She faced life’s challenges with quiet courage and an unwavering strength that those who knew and loved her will always remember.

Ingrid was a deeply intelligent, dedicated, and accomplished woman who took great pride in her career as a medical technologist. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Medical Technology from Northeastern University and, later in life, continued her education by earning a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Marist College. She was committed to her profession and to the people she served, and her work was an important part of who she was.

Outside of her career, Ingrid found joy in the simple things she loved. She was an avid reader, enjoyed gardening and playing mahjong, and generously gave her time to others through volunteering at the local food pantry and in various other community efforts. She had a curious mind, a generous spirit, and a strong desire to help others.

Above all, Ingrid was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She was incredibly proud of her children and their accomplishments. She is survived by her husband, Neal; her daughter, Emily Ptak and her husband, Matt; her son, Karl Kolze and his wife, Taylor; and her grandchildren, Wyatt and Jase Ptak, and Piper, Otto, Matilda, and Otis Kolze. She is also survived by her sister, Lisa Plant.

Ingrid was preceded in death by her parents, Evi and Kaarlo Saarinen.

In accordance with Ingrid’s wishes, there will be no funeral or memorial services. Her ashes will be scattered in several of her favorite places, allowing her love of travel and the places that brought her happiness to remain a part of her final journey.

A private celebration of Ingrid’s life and luncheon for family and friends will be held at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ingrid’s memory to Mountain View United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 1577, Pine Bush, NY 12566.

She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by the family she loved so dearly.