Obituary: Morgan Elizabeth Augustine, 28, of Redding

REDDING, CT — A memorial service has been scheduled for Morgan Elizabeth Augustine who died unexpectedly on July 31. She was 28 years old.

A beloved mother, daughter, granddaughter, sister, niece, cousin and friend, Morgan was born in Stamford and raised in Redding, attending Redding Elementary School, John Read Middle School, and Joel Barlow High School. She was an award-winning yachtswoman and accomplished artist. Her many outdoor interests included horseback riding, fishing, swimming, canoeing, downhill skiing and hiking.

"Morgan, sadly, had fears and anxieties," her death notice read. "She mistakenly thought that alcohol and drugs would numb her long enough so that problems would disappear or work themselves out. No matter the reason, this horrible disease consumed her."

Morgan was funny, outgoing and vivacious, and her interests and joys were eclectic. She loved to dance, and took classes in ballet, jazz, and hip-hop. Her passion for art shines through in her ceramics, photography and painting. Morgan worked briefly at modeling, took photos aboard the USS Intrepid, and sailed as crew on a clipper ship, just to name a few. She sang in the Christ Church children’s choir, and she attended the First Church of Christ, Congregational as a youth member.

Morgan was a loving and compassionate person with a beautiful smile that could light up your soul. She loved her parents and her big brother Chris, whom she looked up to and was very proud of. She cherished her daughter, Courtney Lillian Sommerer, 18 months old. She spoke a lot about her daughter, her one happiness on cloudy days, her hope for the future. Her prayer was that Courtney would always be loved and happy. Morgan wanted most to live her life with fiancé Erich as husband and wife. She loved with her whole heart, and there are so many more who meant so much to her.

She leaves behind her parents Diane Augustine and Theodore S.P. Augustine, brother Christopher, fiancé Erich J. Sommerer, their daughter Courtney Lillian Sommerer, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

"When you think of Morgan, celebrate the good memories you have of her. Remember that life is fragile and should be lived to the fullest. She had talent and beauty; she had our love," her family writes.

A Celebration of Life will be held 2 p.m., Saturday, August 10 at First Church of Christ, 25 Cross Highway (Redding Center) in Redding. A reception will follow in the church reception hall. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that a donation be made for Morgan’s daughter Courtney. Donations can be sent to Christopher P. Norris, Esq., 65 Main St., Danbury CT 06810. "Morgan Augustine" must be included in the memo line.