Augusta Crocker Stewart, 88, passed away on January 4, of heart failure. She died peacefully with her “Luv Luv,” husband Richard Stewart, and close family caring for her in her North Hill home.
Gussie, as she was fondly known, was born on December 12, 1935, in Boston to Eleanor Batchelder Crocker and U. Haskell Crocker. After graduation from Colby Sawyer College, she went on to pursue her lifelong artistic passion at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston and the De Cordova Museum School in Lincoln. She honed her skills while studying for five years with Master Painter Zygmund Jankowski in Gloucester. A member of multiple fine arts societies throughout New England, she sold her award-winning paintings through Newbury Street and other notable galleries.
Gussie always tried to paint from her soul, believing, “Creative people are basically spiritual people. We all make things with our hands, hearts, minds, and souls at some time in our lives.” She loved capturing how the light illuminates bright colors in flowers and landscapes.
Gussie spent her early years in Milton and moved to Manchester-by- the-Sea in 1950 where her mother and father developed two lovely seaside homes for the family. Gussie and the extended Crocker family have enjoyed this property for the many years since. She was most happy sitting on the beach, telling stories, swimming, playing with children, tending to the property, and storytelling. Her infectious laugh was unmistakable.
Gussie contributed much time and energy to the Noanet Garden Club. During her many years as a member she nurtured her love of flowers and developed lifelong friendships. Gussie was an active supporter of The Girl Scouts of America, from her days as a scout continuing on for the rest of her life.
She and her husband are devout Christians. During the 48 years of their marriage, church worship was a very important factor in improving the strength of their faith. Upon learning of her condition, she said, “I am not afraid because I have a reservation for Heaven!”
She was the Matriarch of the family, an excellent friend, a loving Mother, a gardener, and a master of the handwritten note. Gussie and her Husband Stewy enjoyed traveling to the Caribbean Islands where together they hiked trails and she painted on the sandy beaches. Hers was a life well lived.
Gussie is survived by her daughter Edith C. Beacham, her son Harold R. Beacham, Jr. and wife Heather Unruh, and grandsons Bradford L. Beacham and George S. Beacham. Close to her heart were her sister, Eleanor C. McKey (deceased) and husband John, her brothers Edgar Crocker and wife Joan (deceased), Robert G. Crocker and wife Ruthie. In addition, Gussie is survived by multiple generations of beloved nieces and nephews.
The home at North Hill is a special place with great staff, fine associations and faithful fellowship. Gussie and Dick were especially thankful for the loving care provided by their fine group of nurses. Graveside services will be held at a later date.
