Ingrid Helene Mahrt

Born in a traditional farmhouse on the Isle of Fohr with delft tiles on the walls and a thatch roof, Ingrid's early years were punctuated by the loss of her parents. She went to live in the next village with her aunt Maria and Elsa, a Polish refugee. Her little brother Arwin would be raised by their grandparents. At seventeen, Ingrid accompanied Maria to California to visit uncles and attend a cousin’s wedding. She stayed long enough to briefly attend Petaluma High School and to meet Boyd Mahrt, her future husband, at a Fourth of July barbecue.

Ingrid and Boyd were married in June 1957 and struggled together as beginning egg farmers. She was here to stay and soon became a US citizen. They worked hard but also found time to raise two sons: Steve and Garry. And they found time to dance. They danced at the Hermann Sonns Hall, Little Switzerland, friends' homes and later as members of Petaluma’s Cotillion Club. She also joined Beta Sigma Phi, and her sorority sisters became lifelong friends. Eventually their little farm prospered, and they were able to travel: first back to Germany with the kids, and later all over the country and the world. Ingrid’s wanderlust was teasingly attributed to her Viking heritage. The pair also enjoyed fishing at Blue Lakes and annual winter vacations in Mexico. Grandchildren were born and Oma kept a supply of cookies and ice cream in the house. Sometimes she would pack all six in the car for a trip to the movies.

In 2016, Ingrid lost her dance and travel partner. The next ten years were focused on shorter trips and entertaining friends and family. She joined Two Rock Valley Presbyterian Church and their quilting group. As the great grandchildren came along there were more cookies and ice cream. Ingrid maintained an active social calendar and the house was always decorated for the season or holiday. She loved to entertain at the holidays or any other time she had an excuse to invite someone to the house. She enjoyed meeting people and forming a connection; especially if they had a connection to Fohr. Her growing family will miss her and the family events that she created.

A memorial will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, 25 April at Two Rock Valley Presbyterian Church, 7063 Bodega Avenue.