Margaret Fettes, longtime legislator, dead at 90

MILLBROOK— Margaret Fettes, former Dutchess County legislator, has died at the age of 90. She died at Ten Broeck nursing home in Lake Katrine on June 7. 

The daughter of Wilbur and Susan Good Van Tassell, she was a graduate of Millbrook High School and SUNY at Delphi. She married Robert Fettes, who predeceased her in 1996. They had two children, Wilbur Fettes and Patricia Fettes Vanaken, both of whom survive her.  

Fettes served as the Dutchess County legislator serving the towns of Union Vale, Washington and the village of Millbrook for more than 26 years. She served on many committees during her years as a legislator. During her last term, which ended in 2009, she was assistant majority leader, as well as a committee member of the Benefit Assessment Review Board; the E-911 Maintenance Board; the Soil and Conservation Board, and was liaison to the Cooperative Extension Board.

The daughter of a farmer and a teacher, Fettes came to politics and the Democratic Party at age 50. She was known for her boundless energy and enthusiasm. For 76 years she sang in the choir at Grace Church, having joined the choir at the age of 10; she was a member of the Vestry. 

Among her many accomplishments, she was an active member of the Union Vale Rescue Squad for 32 years; she served as president of the Church Alliance in Millbrook for senior housing; and on May 2012 she was nominated by Assemblywoman Didi Barrett (D-106) and was awarded for the Most Outstanding Contribution by a Senior Citizen.

Many people, legislators, church members and neighbors remember her fondly as a hard worker, a believer in a strong community and a person who cared about people. Many also knew her as a representative of the cosmetics company Avon for a great many years.

Dutchess County Executive Marcus Molinaro ordered Dutchess County government buildings to fly the flag at half-staff in honor of Fettes, and in a public statement he had this to say on her passing: “I had the pleasure of working with her during my time in county Legislature and always held her in high regard. Margaret was a truly kind-hearted woman who believed in the importance of community service and made a long-lasting commitment to it. We are grateful for the impact she had on Dutchess County.”

Gary Ciferri, Washington town Supervisor and former mayor of Millbrook for 15 years, was a political opponent. Yet he had only kind words to share.

“I have nothing but fond memories about working with her,” he said. “She was a fine woman and very dedicated to her job. She was respected by many.”

The Rev. Matthew Calkins, pastor of Grace Church in Millbrook, where Fettes had worshiped throughout her life, spoke of having known her for many years before he joined Grace Church two years ago. 

“She had the gift of meeting everyone where they were found. She believed in the Christian values of giving, serving and being helpful. She loved to make people smile, and even in her last days at Ten Broeck, she made customized cards for people,” he said. “Her whole day, in fact her whole life, was spent trying to help other people.”

A funeral service is planned for 11 a.m. at Grace Episcopal Church on Thursday, June 16.