1921 to Nov. 4, 2009
Kathleen Cowles Denise, 87, died suddenly on November 4, 2009, in her home in Easthampton, MA. The cause of death was an aortic aneurysm. Mrs. Denise remained fully vigorous and mentally sharp until the day of her death.
Mrs. Denise had moved to Easthampton in 2000 after living most of her adult life in DeWitt, NY. Her husband, Theodore C. Denise (1919-2005), was a Professor of Philosophy at Syracuse University. She spent time every summer of her life in the Rustic Ridge community in Northfield, MA, where several generations of her family have had cottages.
Kathleen was born in New York, NY in 1921 to Hazel Blackmore Wright and Rev. David O. Cowles, a Methodist minister. She grew up in East Orange, NJ, and attended American University and the University of Michigan. She had two sisters, Marjorie Cowles Crain (1913-2003) and Helen Cowles Thompson (1916-2008). She and her husband had two children, Patricia D. White of Miami, FL, and Theodore C. Denise, Jr. (“Todd”). A great loss in her life occurred when Todd Denise died in 1988 at age 29 of leukemia after an extended illness.
During World War II, when her husband served in the army in the South Pacific, Mrs. Denise worked for the U.S. government in Washington, DC.
Highlights of Kathleen’s life included the two years that she and her family spent living in Florence, Italy. She delighted in learning Italian and Renaissance history, making new friends, and in exploring the city and its museums.
Kathleen was cherished by those who knew her for her irreverence, quick and acerbic wit, love of books and crossword puzzles, and warmth and loyalty to family and friends.
Mrs. Denise is survived by her daughter Patricia, her grandchildren, Olivia Lawrence White of San Francisco, CA, Alexander Cowles White of Paris, France, and Jennifer White Callaghan of London, England, her son-in-law James Nickel, and by many loving nieces and nephews and their children.
Kidder Funeral Home in Northfield is handing arrangements. A private memorial service will be held in December.
Memorial gifts may be made to the Dickinson Memorial Library, Main Street, Northfield, MA 01360.
Contact: Patricia D. White, 3400 SW 27th Avenue, Apartment 803, Miami, FL 33133.