Born Augusta Kolb on February 25, 1917, Gussie was born in and lived most of her life in Seymour, including 67 years at 31 Grand Street, which her husband, James Stahl, built in 1940. The 2nd of five children (Mary, Gussie, Matilda/Billie, Albert and Calvin), Gussie is the last to pass of a remarkable family which she helped hold together following the early death of both parents. She left school after the 8th grade in order to take work to earn money for the family.

Gussie was active nearly her entire life at Immanuel Lutheran Church, where her father was the first Sunday School Superintendent, and where in her teens she met her future husband, Jimmy, when he moved to town and joined the youth group. Gussie and Jimmy married in 1936 and Gussie doted on Jimmy. She did not have children but greatly enjoyed her and Jimmy’s extended families and was a devoted aunt to her 15 nephews and nieces. Gussie made each feel special in his/her own way. Her good cooking, especially her desserts, were greatly admired. Everyone needs an Aunt Gussie!

Gussie outlived Jimmy by 33 years yet lived independently despite limited means. Gussie maintained a very neat and tidy small house where all were welcome. In 2007, Gussie moved to Lord Chamberlain in Stratford, where she passed peacefully on January 7, 2013.

Gussie was an extremely hard worker. Among other jobs, she worked for over 30 years as a receptionist and switchboard operator at Seymour Products (formerly the H. A. Matthews Company) and later for 30 years into her 80’s as a dental assistant with Drs. Alden Brangwynne, Janet Landry and Thomas Park.

Gussie was exceedingly sweet despite the hardships life brought her. She took life as it came and made it better for everyone. Gussie was devout, generous, compassionate, non-judgmental, polite and inspirational. Gussie always took a positive view and encouraged others with a kind word and thank you. Examples of Gussie’s compassion for others included her years on the Prayer Circle at Immanuel Lutheran and serving Thanksgiving meals to the needy.

Gussie is survived by the following nephews and nieces and their families: Calvin and Marge Wendel of Milford, CT; Bonnie Elman of Hudson, MA; Darrylin Smith of Hampstead, NC; Albert Kolb of Fairfield, CT; Richard Kolb of Woodstock, VT; Phillip Kolb of Kennett Square, PA; Gerald Kolb of Frederick, MD; Peter Kolb of Boise, ID; Calvin Kolb of Gilford, NH; Candie Laughlin of Port Royal, KY; Steve Kolb of Gilford, NH; Eric Kolb of Nottingham, NH; James Scharf of Sebastian, FL; Thomas Scharf of Beacon Falls, CT and Bernard Beihl of Sparta, NJ. Gussie is also survived by her sister-in-law, Edna Stahl, of Escondido, CA.

The family wishes to thank the hardworking nurses, aides and other staff of Lord Chamberlain for their devoted care for Gussie and also to thank the many people at Immanuel Lutheran and others who continued to correspond and visit with Gussie the last years of her life.

A memorial service will be held at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 25 Great Hill Road, Oxford, CT at 11 AM on Saturday, January 19,, 2013. A reception will follow at the Church.

Donations may be given instead of flowers to Immanuel Lutheran Church in Gussie’s name.
The Ralph E. Hull Funeral Home, 161 West Church Street, Seymour is entrusted with the arrangements.

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