Augusta M. “Gussie” Nadeau-Kolda

Augusta M. “Gussie” Nadeau-Kolda, 90, passed away on Tuesday, June 21, 2016 in Spartanburg, SC following a short, but valiant, struggle with Aortic Stenosis.   Born on April 27,1926, she was a daughter of Augusto and Matilde Tentolini Giardini.  A resident of Fairfield, CA for 53 years, Gussie lived the past four years in Chesnee, SC, where she was lovingly cared for by her son, Steven.

Gussie was born and grew up in the Boston area where she studied piano at the Boston Conservatory of Music.  As a very gifted and versatile pianist, Gussie used her gift of music not only to make a living playing in various venues, but also giving  joy to family and friends, bringing glory to God in church, and teaching others the joy of playing the piano.  In many of her performance venues, there was always a sign above the piano that read “Featuring Gussie at the Piano.”  Most recently, Gussie enjoyed playing the piano for her fellow residents at Summit Hills in Spartanburg.  Later in life, she taught special needs children with the Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District and Holy Spirit Catholic Church.  In recognition of her years of teaching Religious Education, she received highest honors from Pope Paul VI as she was given a personal gift from the Vatican.  

In 1947, she married Guy J. Nadeau and that union was blessed with four children.  Left to cherish her memory and legacy are David Nadeau (Caryn) of Murray, UT, Cherylle Nadeau (Barbara Disser) of Vancouver, WA, Steven Nadeau (Michael Graham) of Chesnee, SC, and Ronald Nadeau (Stacy) of Henrico, VA.  Other survivors include seven grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild, as well as her three sisters, Louise Collett, of Oakland, CA, Flora Barker of Lecanto, FL and Sylvia Rushton of Jacksonville, FL.

In 1969, she married the love of her life, James W. “Bill” Kolda. 

A lifelong and very devout Catholic, Gussie worshiped at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Spartanburg where friends may call on Monday evening, June 27, 2016 from 6:00PM-8:00PM, with a Vigil service at 7:00PM, officiated by Deacon Bob Mahaffey.  A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated on Tuesday, June 28, 2016 at 10:00AM at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, officiated by Father David Whitman.   Gussie will be laid to rest at Springhill Memorial Gardens, Chesnee, SC following Mass.

Should friends desire, memorials may be made to St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, Building Fund, 290 East Main Street, Spartanburg, SC 29302 or Spartanburg Regional Hospice House, 686 Jeff Davis Drive, Spartanburg, SC, 29303.

Online condolences may be expressed by visiting www.lanfordgwinn.com

In keeping with Gussie’s wishes, please wear bright colors/aloha attire to the services.

Lanford-Gwinn Mortuary

Woodruff, SC.

 Service Information