Anne M. Cousineau passed away peacefully at her home in Roxbury Township on July 4, 2012 in her 80th year from complications related to Alzheimer’s disease. She was a loving partner to her husband, devoted mother, fun-loving grandmother and true friend to all who knew her. She was a teacher, reporter, photographer, volunteer and homemaker. She filled her life with family, friends and activities too numerous to mention – from hiking, swimming, camping, sailing and sightseeing to reading, writing, lunching and brunching in New York City. She was a woman of intelligence, wit and passion. She loved fireworks.

Anne (Ponch) was born on January 21, 1932 in Quincy, MA. She grew up in Springfield, MA and attended Cathedral High School. She graduated from Regis College with a Masters degree in Education but never stopped learning – taking classes and attending lectures throughout her life. She married Edward Cousineau in 1962 and they moved to Succasunna 47 years ago.

She started her career as an elementary school teacher on an Air Force base in Puerto Rico, but photography was her passion. For many years, she was a freelance photojournalist for all the local newspapers – The Star Journal, The Daily Record and The Daily Advance. She also worked as a photographer for Stella Hart Inc., a public relations firm. Her work put her on the field at hundreds of high school sporting events, with mayors and babies at community events, with celebrities at charity functions and with the people of the Special Olympics, who held a special place in her heart.

Anne was a blur of activity throughout her life – juggling work while raising four children, volunteering, and socializing with friends. She was an active member of St. Therese RC Church and Bible Study, the Roxbury Women’s Club, the Women’s Resource Center at CCM and other community organizations. She traveled extensively with her husband and friends, plus attended Elderhostels throughout the country. In recognition of her community involvement she was honored as a torchbearer for the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.

She was predeceased by her husband Edward on June 12^th of this year and is survived by her 4 sons; Edward M (and Debra) of S. Orange, James (and Leslie) of Evanston, IL, Robert (and Laura) of Boston, MA, and Paul (and Robin) of Landing, 8 grandchildren; Sam, Noah, Nat, Ben, Andrew, Quinn, Laurel, and Connor, two step grandchildren; Cal and Russ and sister Kathy Shannon of Longmeadow, MA.

Friends may visit at the Davis and Hepplewhite Funeral Home, 96 Main St., Succasunna (973-584-7264) davishepplewhitefh.com on Friday from 3 – 5 and 7 – 9 p.m. The Funeral Liturgy will be held on Saturday, 10 am, at St. Therese R C Church in Succasunna. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America www.alzfdn.org.