Thank you!
Your support is sustaining the future of local news in our communities.

Monique Montaigne

Monique Montaigne

AMENIA — Monique Montaigne, 84, a resident of Amenia, died on Friday, Jan. 26, 2024, at the Hudson Valley Hospice House in Hyde Park, New York.

Born on April 9, 1939, in Berlin, Germany, she was the daughter of the late Heinz and Anita “Gutermann” Sauest. Monique’s biological father was an officer who died in a bomb attack in Berlin in 1943.

Her mother, “Anna Marie” Anita Gutermann, heiress of the Nahse Company, Gutermann remarried the conductor Herbert Von Karajan from 1942-1958.

After the war, Monique worked as a mannequin for fur fashion and took acting lessons in Salzburg. Monique took the last name Ahrens and made two notable films, “A Dog in Flanders” and “The Singing Nun.” In 1960 she worked as a television announcer and her photo was released on the cover of the magazine “Stern.”

In 1962 she also tried her hand at becoming a singer and released the singles “And My” and “The Sun Moon and Stars.” During the 1980’s, she lived in New York City working for the pianist, Yefim Bronfman and Sherril Milnes, the opera singer, as personal secretary, and in Mr. Bronfmans case, project and design manager on his apartment remodel. After 20 years she moved to the small town of Amenia where she worked as a typist and secretary to former town supervisor Victoria Perotti.

Monique felt very grateful to have found good friends in a community that embraced her. She especially loved to cook and gift food to her friends and she loved the Amenia Library.

She is survived by her daughter, Jessica Montaigne of Venice, California, and her granddaughter Lilianna.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Amenia Library, PO Box 27, Amenia, New York, 12501.

To send the family condolence, please visit www.hufcutfuneralhome.com

Latest News

Pauline King Garfield

Pauline King Garfield

EAST CANAAN — Pauline K. (King) Garfield, 94 of 77 South Canaan Rd. formerly of East Canaan, died Sunday May 24, 2026, at Geer Village.She was the wife of the late Duane Garfield who passed August 14, 2017. Pauline was born April 3, 1932 in North Canaan, CT in the former Geer Hospital. She was the daughter of the late Charles and Rose (Van Vlack) King.

Pauline spent her career at Becton Dickinson in Canaan, after being a stay-at-home mother for many years.She was employed at Becton Dickinson for 23 years. She enjoyed bus trips with her late husband Duane to the Casinos, spending time with her family watching the grandchildren grow up. Recently she made a comment to care givers that was “wait until I see that husband of mine for leaving me here, I am going to read him the riot act.” Over the years she enjoyed many crafts, but her favorite was crocheting gifts for everyone.

Keep ReadingShow less
Wassaic Project opens new gallery space in historic Gridley Chapel
Samuelle Green turned paper, wire, and glue into a honeycombed hive at Wassaic Project’s Maxon Mills in Wassaic.
Photo by Graham Corrigan

WASSAIC — The Wassaic Project started its 2026 season in style on Saturday, May 16, with an exhibition that featured 39 artists whose work was showcased at its flagship Maxon Mills location and plans for its new space at Gridley Chapel.

The chapel, which was erected in 1873 and is located across the street from Maxon Mills, is a recent addition to the Wassaic Project.

Keep ReadingShow less

Let's hear it - May 28, 2026

Let's hear it - May 28, 2026

Last Week’s Question

What is one change you’d make to your town center to make it more welcoming?

Keep ReadingShow less
google preferred source

Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.

Memorial Day paraders brave wet weather

A ceremonial firing party honored fallen soldiers at Millerton’s American Legion on Route 44 on Monday, May 25. Legion representatives originally planned a parade down Millerton’s Main Street and a ceremony at the Veterans Park monument in front of the Methodist Church, but rain forced the events inside at American Legion Post 178.

Photo by Nathan Miller

Wet weather this past Memorial Day weekend cast a hazy drizzle over much of northeast Dutchess County, forcing holiday ceremonies inside in Millerton and Amenia.

Pine Plains and Millbrook pushed on with parades in those towns, attracting thronging crowds to Main Streets to mourn and reflect on the sacrifice of fallen soldiers.

Keep ReadingShow less
A blessing for pets — and a lifeline for their health
Lazarus, a Eurasian eagle owl, poses with Dr. Laura, his longtime handler. The rescue raptor — known as the event’s “wow factor” for his striking presence and six-foot wingspan — will appear as the Raptor Ambassador at Rhinebeck’s Blessing of the Animals.
provided

For many pet owners, animals are family. On Saturday, May 30, that bond will be celebrated in a uniquely practical and heartfelt way when the Blessing of the Animals returns to Third Lutheran Evangelical Church in Rhinebeck alongside a free rabies vaccination clinic hosted by Hudson Valley Animal Rescue & Sanctuary.

The event, scheduled from noon to 4 p.m., is free for Dutchess County residents and open to dogs, cats and domestic ferrets three months and older. While the clinic itself provides an important public health service, organizers say the day has become about much more than vaccinations.

Keep ReadingShow less

Growing community

Growing community

Sheila Srere, left, and Cathy Fenn plant flowers in a small island at the Harlem Valley Rail Trail’s intersection with Main Street in Millerton on Thursday, May 21.

Photo by Nathan Miller

A band of volunteers planted flowers across downtown Millerton on Thursday, May 21, as part of local group Townscape's annual beautification efforts. Community members from across northeast Dutchess County came together to plant flowers at Millerton's veterans memorial monument in front of the United Methodist Church on Main Street and in planters and flower beds along Main Street down to the intersection with Route 22.


Keep ReadingShow less
google preferred source

Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.

google preferred source

Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.