Unni H. Kaltenbacher died suddenly at her home on Martha’s Vineyard on August 4.

She had recently commented that this was the best summer of her life.

Born in Norway in 1943, Unni was the daughter of the late Nils and Tulla Hovde. She came to the United States to attend the University of California at Berkeley after graduating from the University of Oslo.

In her working years she was a fashion model and co-founder and lobbyist for a successful clinical laboratory. She was also a certified emergency medical technician and volunteered for years in her town’s unit. She was fluent in seven languages.

She and her husband Phil, a retired businessman and former chairman of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, were together for 49 years. They lived in Sarasota, Fla. and Martha’s Vineyard. They had a special love for animals and supported animal rescue groups. At home, their pets Abby and Oscar were doted on and adored.

Unni was beautiful, elegant, intelligent, charming and fun. She had many close friends who have been kind and supportive of Phil at this sad time.

She is survived by her husband Phil; a son, Mark Kaltenbacher; stepdaughters Laura Ross and Gail Kurz; and her beloved Norwegian family — her brother Tore, nephews Thomas and Anders and their terrific children.

She was predeceased by her son Lars.

For online condolences and more information please visit chapmanfuneral.com