Margery A. Cousens

1936 - 2025

Margery Ann (Poole) Cousens, 88, of Middletown, passed away on July 18, 2025. She was the wife of the late Denys Cousens.



Margery, also lovingly known by her nickname Polly, was born on November 21,1936 in Coventry, England. She spent her childhood years growing up in Meriden, England with her parents, Sarah and Victor Poole, and her brother, Richard, as well as many extended family members. In 1956, she married Denys, and they eventually had two sons, Symon and Timothy.



In 1969, Margery and her family moved to the United States when her husband landed a job in the foreign automobile industry in Pennsylvania. A year later, the family settled in Newport, RI for another job opportunity. Eventually, they moved to Middletown which was where they resided for many years.



Although Margery was a stay-at-home mother for some time, a formal education was very important to her. She earned a Bachelor's Degree from Roger Williams College and then a Master's Degree in Library Science from the University of Rhode Island. While Margery had other jobs, the job she loved the most was being employed in the Roger Williams College Library. One of her main job responsibilities there was to help the college professors by providing them with materials to enhance the content of their courses. At the age of sixty-five, she retired and spent many years after that enjoying life on her farm in Middletown where she and Denys had cattle, horses, goats, sheep, and donkeys. Margery was busy every day tending to the animals, bringing her great joy and purpose.



Margery had many interests and hobbies. She was an amazing cook and baker who was well known for making delicious traditional English recipes, like pork pie and Yorkshire pudding. Also, it was not uncommon to see her speeding around town in her sporty Volvo with a stick shift. She also enjoyed reading, gardening, knitting, spending time with her grandchildren, and observing nature and all of its beauty and creatures. Margery especially loved her dogs who were great companions to her.



She was an active member of Emmanuel Church in Newport for many years. She sang in the choir and selflessly held many leadership positions at the church. Margery enjoyed the fellowship among her church friends, especially being part of the "Tuesday Group," as well as volunteering her time to help others in the community.



Margery leaves behind two sons, Symon Gregory Cousens and his wife Analita (Neves) Cousens of Portsmouth, and Timothy Cousens and his wife Holly (Sherman) Cousens of Portsmouth. She also leaves behind four grandchildren and their spouses/significant others, Cheyne Cousens, Benjamyn Cousens, Rebecca Young, and Abigail Spada. She also leaves behind one great grandson as well as many family members in England.



A Memorial Service will be held in honor of Margery's life on Thursday, August 21, 2025 at Emmanuel Church, 42 Dearborn St, Newport at 10:30 am.

All are invited to attend. Calling hours are respectfully omitted. Burial will be private.



Memorial donations may be made in Margery's name to Emmanuel Church, 42 Dearborn St, Newport, RI 02840.



Arrangements are by the O'Neill-Hayes Funeral Home, for online tributes please visit www.oneillhayes.com.