Kathleen C. Denise

[ Originally published on: Tuesday, November 17, 2009 ]

EASTHAMPTON -- Kathleen C. Denise, 87, died suddenly on Nov. 4, 2009 in her home in Easthampton. 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, N.Y. Her husband, Theodore C. Denise was a Professor of Philosophy at Syracuse University. Mr. Denise predeceased her in 2005.

She spent every summer of her life in the Rustic Ridge community in Northfield, where several generations of her family have had cottages.

Mrs. Denise was born in New York, N.Y., on Dec. 20, 1921, the daughter of Hazel Blackmore (Wright) and Rev. David O. Cowles, a Methodist minister. She grew up in East Orange, N.J., and attended American University and the University of Michigan.

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, D.C. 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 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.

She is survived by her daughter, Patricia D. White of Miami, Fla. A great loss in her life occurred when her son, Theodore C. ''Todd'' Denise Jr., died at the age of 29 in 1986 of leukemia after an extended illness. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Olivia Lawrence White of San Francisco, Calif., Alexander Cowles White of Paris, France, and Jennifer White Callaghan of London, England, and her son-in-law, James Nickel, and many loving nieces and nephews and their children.

She was predeceased by two sisters: Marjorie Cowles Crain in 2003 and Helen Cowles Thompson in 2008.

Funeral services will be at the convenience of family in December 2009.

Donations in her memory may be made to Dickinson Memorial Library, 115 Main St., Northfield, MA 01360.

Kidder Funeral Home, 1 Parker Ave., Northfield, is in charge of arrangements.

To send condolences, please visit www.kidderfuneralhome.com.

 

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