Gertrude "Tede" Harrington, 79, died Friday, Oct. 18, 2013 surrounded by her family after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born in Augusta on June 10, 1934, the daughter of Elinor and Loren Daggett. She was a resident of Augusta her entire life where she met her husband of 61 years, Albert J. Harrington Sr. Tede had an amazing passion and ability for helping children, regardless of what troubles they were having, and this shined throughout her life. As a mother of seven children and many foster children, as well as working in Head Start programs, Tede pursued her college degree in elementary education. She then taught kindergarten, second grade, and seventh grade in the Augusta and Windsor school departments, Adult Education classes, continuing education courses in children's literature through the American Institute for Creative Education, and was an assistant principal. She also opened three nursery schools in the Augusta area. Tede had a love for poetry, literature, and music. She owned a book store, Reading Treasures, and was a published author of poetry and short stories. Both playing and listening to music brought her great joy. The piano, accordion, and clarinet, as well as singing were favorites of hers. Much loved pastimes included rug hooking, reading, rides in the country, sitting on her back porch bird watching and doing puzzles, and spending time with her family, especially during the holidays. Favorite getaways were trips to Atlantic City with her husband and daughters, and to her camps in Somerville and the Forks. Being a stroke survivor, her strong will and determination allowed her to overcome many obstacles and gave her strength to support others in similar circumstances. Tede was predeceased by her parents, Loren and Elinor Daggett; stepmother Grace Daggett; brother Linwood Daggett and wife, Winnifred; brother Edwin Daggett; and grandson Barrett Harrington.Tede is survived by her husband, Albert; beloved cat Honey; son Albert Harrington Jr., of Oregon; daughter Susan Harrington, of New York; daughter Jane Moore, of Augusta; daughter Peggy Harrington, of Randolph; son Shawn Harrington and wife, Deborah, of Augusta; son Kevin Harrington and wife, Hazel, of Greene; daughter Julie Rocque and Michael, of South China; sisters-in-law Mary Harrington and Mildred Tortorella, of Massachusetts, and Dolores Daggett, of Augusta; cousin Myra McKenney; and close friend Elaine Bossie, of Massachusetts.Tede had a special place in her heart for her grandchildren and great grandchildren: Tonya Harrington, Amanda Larrabee, Ericka Deering, husband Troy, and children Grace and Jason, Katie Cunningham and son Bradley, Sonya Purington, husband Kyle and sons Abraham and Wyatt, Angela Harrington, Audrey Shaw-Helmer, husband Casey and children Madison, Victoria, Julia and Joseph, Michael Rocque, Alisha Harrington,; Jacob Rocque and daughters Leahna and Juliahna, Jenna Harrington, Laura Rocque, Michaela Harrington, and Caleb Harrington. She is also survived by several nieces, nephews, and cousins. At Tede's request, there will be a private service at 1 p.m. Monday, Oct. 28, at Unitarian Universalist Community Church, 69 Winthrop St., Augusta. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Lithgow Public Library for the purchase of children's books, 45 Winthrop St., Augusta, ME 04330. Interment will be at a future date.Arrangements are under the care of Funeral Alternatives. Condolences, stories and pictures may be shared at www.funeralalternatives.net.