Monika Feistel Ethier

Monika was born on January 26, 1939, in Hamburg-Rahlstedt, Germany to Hannah (Zigner) Feistel and Franz Feistel. She was the youngest of four daughters. She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Gerard Ethier, and many nieces and nephews.

Monika married Gerard (Gerry) on August 12, 1960. Gerry was stationed in the U.S. Air Force in Germany at the time. They moved to New Bedford, Massachusetts, Gerry's hometown, where they lived for 12 years, then resided on Juliette St. in Seabury Heights II in North Dartmouth for 30 years. Monika worked for Citizens Bank where she was a teller. She retired from the bank after many years of service. She and Gerry moved to Fort Myers after retiring and have lived in Silverlakes at Gateway for the past 21 years.

As a girl, Monika was an accomplished competitive swimmer for the Hamburg-Rahlstedt Schwimm Klub. She also became an avid skier, sailor, mountain climber, and hiker. She also was a talented seamstress, knitter, and did beautiful needlepoint. Happily, and willingly helping her mother in the kitchen as a young girl, Monika learned to cook and bake superbly. Her German dishes and cakes were legendary. Monika had a generous and warm heart and contributed to several charities. She was Gerry's North Star and guiding light.

Monika's family would like to acknowledge the healthcare staff at Gulf Coast Hospital Trauma, ICU, and Hope Hospice House, who were at her side during the last days of her life.

A Celebration of Monika's life will be held on Saturday, September 28, 2024. Inurnment will be at Lee Memorial Park Cemetery at 12777 SR 82, Fort Myers, FL 33913.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to research for the cure and prevention of Alzheimer's Disease.