Susanne Sugatt Shevenell, 92, of Boothbay Harbor, died peacefully on May 12 at her home in Boothbay Harbor.
Susie was born on Dec. 5, 1919 in Portland to Clifton H. and Katharine G. Sugatt. Susie, as family and friends alike knew her, graduated from St. Agatha’s School, and then attended The American School of Design (ASD) in New York City. In her youth, Susie enjoyed family summers in Maine, spending fondly remembered times on Bustins Island in Casco Bay. In the summers of 1940 and 1941, Susie attended ASD’s art school run by D.J. Cannah in North Shapleigh. There, she met John “Bud” Shevenell.
Susie and Bud married in September 1941. Susie became a mother with the birth of her son John in 1943, her daughter Katharine in 1945, and son Thomas in 1948. She was active with her own children as a working mom, as well as volunteering for many civic groups in their hometown of Durham, N.H.
Susie and Bud founded and successfully operated a small leather goods manufacturing business with a national distribution of ladies fashion belts and handbags, which she designed. Later, Susie had a career in the college bookstore business, starting at the University of NH bookstore, becoming assistant manager at the Quill at Smith College and manager of the Vassar College bookstore before her retirement.
Throughout her life, Susie practiced her art, skillfully painting numerous still life sketches as well as excellent portraiture. She utilized her design skills as a volunteer in the decoration of the current hospital in Exeter, N.H.
Susie and Bud were avid sailors and they enjoyed cruising along the Maine coast. Boothbay Harbor was always a port of call. In 1977, they discovered that Samples Shipyard was for sale and they purchased it.
During the 20 years of owning the shipyard, they developed a great respect and love for its skilled workers, as well as for the whole community. They enjoyed and learned much from the people of the Boothbay Region.
Susie was a loving, generous and forgiving individual and full of grace through to her last days.
Her husband, who passed away on Aug. 1, 2010, preceded Susie in death.
She is survived by her children, John Shevenell Jr. and wife Sara of England, Katharine and husband Dr. Lelan Sillin of Lexington, Mass., and Thomas Shevenell and wife Suzanne of Center Sandwich, N.H.; four grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorial service 2 p.m., Sat., June 2 at the Congregational Church, 1 Townsend Ave., Boothbay Harbor. A reception will be held following the service at the church.
Memorial donations may be made to the Boothbay Region YMCA, PO Box 500, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538.
You are invited to share your condolences, photos and tributes with the Shevenell family by visiting their Book of Memories at www.hallfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Simmons, Harrington & Hall Funeral Home, 975 Wiscasset Rd., Boothbay.
