Helen I. Cousins

COUSINS, Mrs. Helen I.
Portage, MI Died Sunday morning February 24, 2008 at her residence. Helen was born June 9, 1913 in Detroit, Michigan the second oldest and last remaining daughter of Robert L. and Margaret F. Scott Palmer. She had been a Kalamazoo area resident since 1988 and was a member of the First Congregational Church of Kalamazoo. Helen studied at the High School of Commerce where she acquired special skills as a stenographer which proved very valuable while working on important Detroit Court cases. Her artistic talents were considerable and included awards for fine sewing; knitting; and hooked rugs. She had a beautiful singing voice and belonged to the Oakland University Choir. She had fond memories of singing in the annual summer Meadowbrook Festivals with such notable featured conductors as Dave Brubeck and Michael Tilson Thomas. She was preceded in death by her parents; and 4 sisters. On September 2, 1938, she was united in marriage to B. Ross Cousins who survives. Also surviving, a son, Garnet Ross Joan Cousins of Birmingham, MI; a daughter, Nancy Michael Payne of Kalamazoo; her only grandson, Bennett Cousins of Chicago, IL; and several nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held 1 o'clock Friday at the First Congregational Church of Kalamazoo, 129 S. Park St. Visitation will be 5-8pm Thursday at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Chapel, 3926 South 9th St. Private interment will be in Central Portage Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to Borgess Hospice or the Music and the Arts at the First Congregational Church.