Susanne Eustis Bogart, of Boothbay Harbor, passed away on May 22 the way she wanted to – peacefully, comfortably, and with her family.
Sue was born on April 28, 1931, to Harold Randall Eustis and Gertrude Jane Hay Eustis in Orange, N.J.
She attended schools in Maplewood and South Orange, N.J., and graduated from Columbia High School. She was a proud alumna of Skidmore College (class of 1953) and spent many happy times back at Skidmore at her class reunions. She served as class president for two terms as well as class secretary.
Her field of study was Home Economics; her specialty was cooking. She worked for Public Service Electric and Gas in New Jersey for several years until she had her first child and then began her life’s work – raising her children and taking care of her family and home.
Her homemade brownies won the heart of Gil Bogart and they were married in January of 1955. They lived in several different communities and wherever they lived, Sue dug into her community and served it well. While living in Verona, N.J. she was active in her church, First Presbyterian of Verona. She served as a trustee and on the Stewardship Committee. She sang in the choir and was part of the bell choir.
She was a Girl Scout leader and involved in her children’s schools. For many years, the teachers’ luncheons were held at their home. Sue was also a hard-working volunteer for the Beautification Committee in Verona, planting and pruning around town. She also gave freely of her time to the Republican Town Committee.
After her children were grown, she “retired” to Boothbay Harbor. She wanted to be closer to her beloved cottage on the Isle of Springs as well as be a part of the Boothbay Harbor community. It didn’t take her long to immerse herself in her new/old community. She found a new church, the Boothbay Harbor Congregational Church, and served as a Deacon and Trustee. She was active with the Women’s Fellowship and once again found a way to sing: in the church choir. Her community involvements included mending many a book at the Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library, serving the Town of Boothbay Harbor on the Board of Appeals, working with the Garden Club on their various projects and as an officer on the local and district levels, and service to the Down East Yacht Club as an officer. These were not work for her – they were labors of love and brought her many hours of pleasure and many friends along the way.
The community that was closest to her heart was that of the Isle of Springs. Sue was proud to say that she had spent at least some time every summer there since she was born. Sue and Gil spent many happy hours on their deck; in their boat, Pure Gold; on the tennis courts; and clearing brush.
Sue served the island community in many capacities – as a director of the Island Association, president of the Ladies Improvement Society and as the Island columnist for the Boothbay Register for many years.
She was predeceased by her husband, Gilbert D. Bogart Jr.; her parents; and brother, Col. Thomas B. Eustis, retired.
Sue is survived by her daughter, Beth, husband Rob Ayer and their children, Kate and husband Cormac, Emily and husband John, and Kimberly; son, Bruce, wife Nan and their daughters, Molly and Hannah; and son, Matthew, wife Claudia Stevens and their children, Chase Bogart and Alexa Stevens.
A service of thanksgiving for her life will be held 11 a.m., Sat., June 15 at the Boothbay Harbor Congregational Church. A reception will follow in the church hall.
Donations in Sue’s memory may be made to the Isle of Springs Memorial Fund, c/o Betsy Morrell, 2773 Atlantic Highway, Lincolnville, ME 04849.
