HAMPDEN – Augusta Jean (Getchell) Pelkey, beloved wife, mother, sister and friend, passed away after a brave struggle with lung cancer June 1, 2013, at a Bangor health care facility. Known to all as “Gustie,” she was born Aug. 13, 1939, in Caribou, the youngest child of Russell and Maude Getchell.
She was predeceased by her parents; three brothers; and two sisters. She is survived by her husband of 57 cherished years, Philip Pelkey of Hampden; children, Keith and Lisa Pelkey of St. Louis, Mo., Kevin and Mary Pelkey of St. Louis, Mo., Kristi Sickles of Bangor and Kent and Wanda Pelkey of New Gloucester; sisters, Joyce White of Wallingford, Conn., Dorothy Gustin of Presque Isle and Luella Snow of Hampden; grandchildren, Morgan Sickles, Garrett Pelkey, Kendra Pelkey, Erin Pelkey, Sarah Pelkey and Robin Pelkey; and other relations around the state and country, all of whom will greatly miss a kind and thoughtful lady. Gustie is now at peace and a guiding angel for all who knew her.
Gustie worked many years as a lead cook and nutrition advocate for the Presque Isle School District. In work, as in private life, she strived to always do her best and bring a smile to people’s faces. Her hobbies were many, but she really enjoyed cooking for her family and friends, gardening, home improvements and bowling on the local leagues with her sister and friends.
Per her wishes, there will not be a funeral service. A celebration of her life will be held later this summer, a date, time and location to be announced. In lieu of flowers, a contribution in Gustie’s name may be made online to the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org.
Augusta Jean Pelkey
