Obituary for Barbara Ellen Cousineau (Bates)
Barbara Ellen (Bates) Cousineau, died Saturday August 24, 2019 after a 4+ year battle against Glioblastoma the most aggressive type of brain cancer. True to her spirit, she didn’t let this disease define her. She crafted a well-lived life pre and post cancer diagnosis as attested by the many family members and friends that visited, called and wrote to share their love and stories. She influenced so many lives that it’s impossible to capture everything here in this small space. She was a multi-faceted person: daughter, partner, friend, mother, educator, singer, chef, quilter, croquet player, lover of Broadway musicals, traveler, fighter and so much more.
Barbara leaves behind many that will miss her. Her lifelong partner and husband Rick, to whom she was married for 52 years. They partnered on many adventures – travel, dancing, singing and much more; Barbara and Rick raised two children, Lisa E. Cousineau and R. Scott Cousineau. She made sure they knew her love and generosity to ensure safe travel in the world; she welcomed Scott’s wife Melinda into her family as her own daughter. She was overjoyed to be a Grandmother to Tiffany and Chad (by way of Scott and Melinda); having great grandchildren (by way of Chad) as the cherry on top. Barbara also leaves behind two brothers, Rick Bates and wife Judi, Robert Bates and wife Margo, as well as nieces and nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews, cousins and many, many dear friends. Sadly her sister Janette Carman predeceased her. She loved everyone with all of her heart!
To reinforce her educator role, she was absolutely devoted to teaching everyone around her; family, friends, colleagues, her special education students at Windsor Locks High School (where she taught for 24 years and retired in 2004) and her NEDP (National External Diploma Program) students. All were recipients of the same committed drive, patience and wisdom. She wanted everyone to be the best they could be in their life. We all continue to carry her smile and joie de vivre. She was a graduate of Watertown H.S, Watertown, NY, received her Bachelor’s Degree from American International College, Springfield, MA and Master’s Degree from Central Connecticut State University, New Britain, CT and resided in Enfield for 46 years.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations in her memory may be made to the CTBTA (CT Brain Tumor Alliance) www.CTBTA.org or mailed to CTBTA, P.O. Box 370514 West Hartford, CT 06137. A visitation and remembrance period will be held on Saturday, September 21, 2019 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Browne Memorial Chapels, Enfield.
Barbara leaves behind many that will miss her. Her lifelong partner and husband Rick, to whom she was married for 52 years. They partnered on many adventures – travel, dancing, singing and much more; Barbara and Rick raised two children, Lisa E. Cousineau and R. Scott Cousineau. She made sure they knew her love and generosity to ensure safe travel in the world; she welcomed Scott’s wife Melinda into her family as her own daughter. She was overjoyed to be a Grandmother to Tiffany and Chad (by way of Scott and Melinda); having great grandchildren (by way of Chad) as the cherry on top. Barbara also leaves behind two brothers, Rick Bates and wife Judi, Robert Bates and wife Margo, as well as nieces and nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews, cousins and many, many dear friends. Sadly her sister Janette Carman predeceased her. She loved everyone with all of her heart!
To reinforce her educator role, she was absolutely devoted to teaching everyone around her; family, friends, colleagues, her special education students at Windsor Locks High School (where she taught for 24 years and retired in 2004) and her NEDP (National External Diploma Program) students. All were recipients of the same committed drive, patience and wisdom. She wanted everyone to be the best they could be in their life. We all continue to carry her smile and joie de vivre. She was a graduate of Watertown H.S, Watertown, NY, received her Bachelor’s Degree from American International College, Springfield, MA and Master’s Degree from Central Connecticut State University, New Britain, CT and resided in Enfield for 46 years.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations in her memory may be made to the CTBTA (CT Brain Tumor Alliance) www.CTBTA.org or mailed to CTBTA, P.O. Box 370514 West Hartford, CT 06137. A visitation and remembrance period will be held on Saturday, September 21, 2019 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Browne Memorial Chapels, Enfield.