Renée Fontaine Krusa, 90, died January 22nd at Carol Woods Retirement Community in Chapel Hill, NC.
Renée was born in Roslyn Estates, Long Island, NY to André and Mildred Arey Fontaine. Her father was born in France and her mother’s heritage can be traced to the Mayflower’s arrival in 1620. The Fontaines owned and operated the first summer camp for girls in the U.S. in the New York Finger Lakes Region. There Renée got her start in athletics, especially competitive swimming.
Renée graduated from Katharine Gibbs School in NY and Bradford College in MA before working at the Northport, NY School District and Young & Rubicam Advertising in NYC. Renée and Hans Krusa were married in 1940. Hans’ work for took them to Nigeria, Egypt and India in the 1960s. She worked as executive secretary to the Ford Foundation’s West African Representative and was a gracious hostess for many international dinners abroad. They enjoyed the opportunity of living with people of other cultures and learning about their customs and challenges. They retired in Chapel Hill and moved to Carol Woods in 1982.
Mrs. Krusa is survived by her husband, Hans E. Krusa, Prof. Emeritus, UNC-CH; three children, Paul F. Krusa, Joan Krusa Asplin, and Peter B. Krusa; 6 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held Jan. 27, 2:00 pm, at Carol Woods Assembly Hall. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Inter-Faith Council for Social Service, 110 Main St., Carrboro, NC 27510.