Daphne Kutzer

Daphne Kutzer, 62, of Taos, died on December 18, 2015 in Santa Fe. She was a beloved teacher, born in Philadelphia, she received her undergraduate degree from Mount Holyoke and her Ph.D. from Indiana University. As a university professor, she proclaimed that her passion in life was “teaching undergraduates to think,” and her thirty-year career culminated in her winning the cherished State University of New York Distinguished Teaching Professor award. She was a widely published author of scholarly papers and books, including the best-selling Empire’s Children. Daphne was an avid outdoorswoman, serving on the board of the Adirondack Audubon Society, and thoroughly enjoying kayaking, cross-country skiing, hiking, and especially horseback riding. As much as she loved her North Country mountains, she found a heart home during her ten years in Taos. She is survived by her beloved brother Steve Kutzer, her life partner Jean Smith, and her Brussels Griffon, Charlie. A memorial celebration will be held in late January. Donations may be made to the MS Society. Arrangements by Rivera Family Funeral Home.