Thelma Helen Cousins

Thelma Helen (Anderson) Cousins, 86 of Leominster died Tuesday, October 14, 2008, at Lifecare Center of Leominster after an illness. She was born in Fitchburg, Ma, on November 24, 1921, daughter of Thure and Helen (Nikula) Anderson.

Mrs. Cousins graduated from Fitchburg High School in 1939. She earned a Bachelor's degree in 1943 and a Masters of Education in 1963 from Fitchburg State College. She began her teaching career in Old Orchard Beach, Maine, and then taught several years in Amherst, Mass. and Springfield, Mass. She was a teacher for twenty years in the Leominster Public Schools. She was a member of Temple Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, the Leominster Historical Society, the North Worcester County Retired Teachers Association, the Fortnightly Club, and Past President of the Thursday Musical Club, and a long time member of Pilgrim Congregational Church.

Her husband Aldrich V. Cousins died in 2003. Mr. and Mrs. Cousins became world travelers in their retirement visiting China, Russia, South America, Africa, Australia, and the Arctic Circle, along with many trips to Europe. She remained interested in her Scandinavian heritage throughout her life and was the last Finnish speaking member of her family.

She is survived by three sons, William A. Cousins and his wife Christine, Andrew D. Cousins and his wife Candi, both of Leominster; Aldrich V. Cousins Jr. and his wife Laurey of Worcester; two daughters, Nancy E. Laptewicz and her husband Walter of Berlin, Ma; and Kristine L. Bell of Huntington Beach, CA; 12 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She is also survived by a brother Norman Anderson of Plano, Texas.

Funeral service was held Friday morning, October 17, 2008 in the Silas F.Richardson & Son Funeral Home, 106 West St., Leominster. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery also in Leominster. Calling hours were Thursday evening 5-8 PM in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Leominster High School, Alumni Scholarship Fund, 122 Granite Street, Leomnister, MA 01453. See

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