Winifred Frances Simmons Augusta (Winnie) of Port Orange, Florida, formerly of Scotia, New York, passed away on March 12, 2016. Born in Westkill, New York on July 27, 1915, she was the oldest of seven children of Harry William Simmons and Lillian Cormany Simmons. Her parents instilled in her a love of learning, and from the age of six she knew that she wanted to be a teacher. After completing high school, Winnie went to the State University of New York at Oneonta and majored in primary education. Upon graduation she began a long teaching career that started in a four-room school in Ithaca, New York.

In 1937, as a bridesmaid at a friend's wedding, she met her future husband, Darrell Jordan Augusta, the groom's best man. They married in 1938 and were together for 63 years, until Darrell's death in 2001. Together they raised three sons, Richard of Atlanta, Georgia, Robert of Simsbury, Connecticut, and Eric of Manhattan Beach, California.

Throughout her life, Winnie found purpose in family, work and community. Family was very important. She instilled in her sons a love of learning and respect for knowledge that led to successful careers. In a long life she welcomed many new family members and wanted to be the best mother, mother-in-law, grandmother and great-grandmother. She had a caring heart that was welcoming to all. In a church commendation, she was described as having a "spiritual gift of hospitality." Love, acceptance and outreach were hallmarks of her life.

Winnie believed that life was to be lived in chapters, and there was a time for each one. After her three sons became older, she went back to teaching and did so until 1979. Winnie then relished the possibilities of retirement: classes at Union College; docent at the Schenectady Museum; golf lessons with a professional; then a life changing move to Florida that opened more avenues to explore. She volunteered as a reader at local schools, was an active member of the Edgewater United Methodist Church, a volunteer with Halifax Urban ministries, and Vice-President of the Women's Club of New Smyrna Beach.

Her 100th birthday was a celebration of her life and the family she helped to nurture. On that July day in 2015 Winnie was surrounded by her sons, and their loving families, including four grandchildren and four great grandchildren. They will all miss her greatly.

In addition to her sons and their families, Winnie is survived by two sisters, Edith S. Weatherby and Eleanor S. Pickett. She was predeceased by her brothers William, Donald, Everett, and Edgar Simmons.

Burial with be at Sea Pines Cemetery in Edgewater, Florida at a future date.