Phyllis Cousens

Phyllis Margaret Cousens

Poughkeepsie, NY - Phyllis Margaret Cousens, born November 26, 1921

died at the age of 93 at The Pines in Poughkeepsie on April 13, 2015.

Born in Poughkeepsie, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Rosa (Russo) Barassi . Phyllis was also predeceased by brothers, Ralph Nicholas Barassi and Nicholas Ralph Barassi. Ralph was the father of Ralph Junior, and Kathia Schulte, both local. Nicholas' children are Nicholas of Pennsylvania and Steven of Florida

On July 23, 1950, she married Forrest LinwoodCousens who survives.

Also surviving are their children Patricia Lynne(Cousens) Kozak, Patty's husband, Robert Edward Kozak. The Kozak children are Blair (Kozak)Reynolds who married Colby Reynolds and Tara (Kozak) Lindsay who Married Andrew Lindsay. Phyllis' 2nd surviving child is Forrest II who married Faith Evans Gowen. Faith and Forrest II's children are Matthew Thomas Cousens who married. Michelle Slemp and Amie Grace(Cousens)Fredericks who married Kenneth Fredericks. Phyllis will be remembered for her drive and quest for perfection in everything she under took whether it involved family or work. Family, however, remained centered in her life and her four grandchildren and eight great Grandchildren remained her greatest joy in life.

She will be remembered by many for her skill in cooking and baking evidenced in the many parties and dinner meetings she hosted In her home. And to this day, there are many pleasant comments about her talent in knitting and crocheting. It seemed as though there wasn't a child in the neighborhood that didn't receive and love a cabbage patch doll that she made. She recently received a third generation doll to enjoy or redistribute. She also made many beautiful sweaters for her husband who still wears them with pride and pleasure.

Phyllis received her education in Poughkeepsie schools and was initially hired by Munitions Mfg., IBM's war time supplier of arms to the war effort. It was here that she first met Forrest who became her husband in July of 1950. Forrest often tells of his reaction upon seeing her for the first time. He turned to a co worker and said, "Boy, I'd like to meet that gal!" After the war ended. Munitions Mfg. adopted the name of its owner, IBM. Unfortunately, for Phyllis and other married female employees, IBM reverted to its pre wartime rules and discharged all such women. Several years later, IBM dropped this rule & Phyllis' former manager sought her out and rehired her. During the last 20 years of her career she worked for the Dutchess County Election Commissioner's Office. She will be sorely missed by all who knew her and by family members who relished her love.

Calling hours will be held Thursday, April 16th from 7pm-9pm at the Michael Torsone Memorial Funeral Home, Inc., 218 Mill Street, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601. Wheelchair and street level parking located off Vassar Street. A funeral home service will take place Friday, April 17th at 11am at the Funeral Home followed by burial in Hillside Cemetery in Cortland Manor, NY. For directions, online condolences or to send the family a sympathy card, please visit our website at www.torsonemememorial.com