Amherst College mourns the passing of Sigrit "Sigi" Schütz, senior lecturer of German, emerita, on Sept. 19, 2020. Schütz retired in 2012, but returned to teach for three additional semesters, until the end of 2015.
Provost and Dean of the Faculty Catherine Epstein wrote the following in a Sept. 21 email to faculty and staff:
... Sigi had been battling ALS, otherwise known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, since June.
Sigi taught German at the college for more than three decades, and her introductory German classes were legendary. She was devoted to her students and remained in close contact with many, long after graduation. An active and beloved member of our community, Sigi was known for her warm and engaging presence, which enriched our campus for many years. I always enjoyed spending time with her at college events, and I will miss her.
Sigi is survived by her husband, Jim, and their two daughters, Christina (Amherst class of 2000), and Anja. There are no plans for a funeral, and Sigi will be interred in the cemetery in her hometown in Germany. Next spring, a memorial will be held in the form of contributions to her beloved garden. The family asks that no flowers be sent....
An obituary will be linked from this page if and when it becomes available.
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