She attended schools in Maplewood and South Orange, New Jersey, 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, often as their song leader, and often composing their class songs. 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 1955. They lived in several different communities and wherever they lived, Sue dug into her community and served it well. While living in Verona, New Jersey 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 — always toting the bells around in her bright yellow station wagon. 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 hardworking 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 (and making many site visits!), 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 (or Sue Who as she was lovingly known by many) 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 (well, maybe not happy hours, but hours!) 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 is survived by: her daughter Beth, Beth’s husband, Rob Ayer, and their children Kate and her husband Cormac, Emily and her husband John, and Kimberly; her son Bruce, his wife Nan, and their daughters Molly and Hannah; and her son Matthew, his wife Claudia Stevens, and their children Chase Bogart and Alexa Stevens.
She was predeceased by her husband, Gilbert D. Bogart, Jr., her parents and her brother, Col. Thomas B. Eustis, retired.
Her family would like to give special thanks to the staff of St. Andrews Village Assisted Living, and especially to Susie and Jen, whose love and support was very much appreciated.
A service of thanksgiving for her life will be held on Saturday, June 15, 2013, at 11 AM 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, Maine 04849.
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