Augusta M. "Gussie" Nadeau-Kolda

1926 - 2016

April 27, 1926 - June 21, 2016

A Memorial Mass of the Resurrection celebrating the life of Augusta M. "Gussie" Nadeau-Kolda, 90, will be held on Monday, July 18, at 10 a.m., in St. Mary's Catholic Church in Vacaville. Gussie passed away on Tuesday, June 21, in Spartanburg, SC, after a short but valiant struggle with Aortic Stenosis. She was born on April 27, 1926, in Boston to, Augusto and Matilde Tentolini Giardini. She was a resident of Fairfield for 57 years, and the last four years living in Chesnee, SC, where she was lovingly cared for by her son, Steven.

Gussie studied piano at the Boston Conservatory. As a very gifted and versatile pianist, she used her gift of music not only to make a living playing in various venues, but also bringing much joy to family and friends. One would always know where Gussie played by her trademark sign, "Featuring Gussie at the Piano". After retirement from professional entertainment, she co-taught special education with Fairfield-Suisun unified School District 13 years. She then went directly to work at Holy Spirit Catholic School for another 12 years and at the same time was a teacher of piano to no less than 25 students per year. In recognition of her many years of teaching religious education, she was presented a medal from Pope Paul VI.

In 1947, she married Guy J. Nadeau. To that union were four children, David (Caryn) of Murray, UT, Cherylle (Barbara) of Vancouver, WA, Steven (Michael) of Chesnee, SC, and Ronald (Stacy) of Richmond, VA. Other survivors include seven grandchildren; four great grandchildren; one great great grandchild; three sisters, Louise Collett of Berkeley, Flora Barker of Lecanto, Fl, Sylvia Rushton of Jacksonville, FL, and two "adapted" sisters, Minna Gross, Johanna Klibenoff both of Fairfield

In 1969, she married the love of her life, James W. "Bill" Kolda, who passed away in 1975.

Gussie was very loyal and committed to her organizations that she loved, Northern Solano Lodge, #2534 Sons of Italy, Wednesday Club of Suisun, and Beta Sigma Phi Sorority. She played for many of the Fairfield Follies, Seniorama's, Leisure Town Performers, Holy Spirit and St. Mary's Catholic Churches, to list a few. In keeping with Gussie's wishes, please wear bright colors and Aloha attire at her service.

Memorial contributions may be made to any of the above organizations that Gussie so loved.