Mary T. Couzens

Brewster- Mary T. Couzens, 95, died peacefully from complications of Alzheimer’s disease at Epoch Senior Healthcare of Brewster on Tuesday, March 16.

Mary was born in New Bedford, MA and spent her childhood in North Attleboro until her family moved to West Newton, MA. She was the eldest of seven children, who have all predeceased her.

Mary graduated from Brown University in 1938, where she met James Secor Couzens whom she married in 1941. As a Navy officer’s wife she pursued her career in fashion and design as an instructor at the Rhode Island School of Design in Providence. After the war, the couple lived in Weston, MA and Newton, MA raising their four children, and spending summers in Brewster Park. For over 25 years Mary was a member of the faculty and served on the Board of Trustees at The Fashion School of Design in Boston. Her love of fashion, color, fabric and design inspired many of her students to excel in the fashion industry. In addition to designing clothing, Mary spent many years designing and creating gold and silver jewelry while attending classes at the DeCordova Museum in Lincoln. In the 1970’s she began her own business M Couzens Frocks and Frills, which she continued to pursue when she moved to Brewster in 1978. She enjoyed traveling and playing golf. Mary was a supporter of the Dennis Playhouse and the Cape Museum of Fine Arts.

Mary is survived by her husband James and their four children; Christopher Couzens of Key West, FL, Matthew Couzens of Ellington, CT, Ann Couzens of Lewes, DE, and Sarah Couzens Doyle of Brewster. She was fondly known as “Gabby” to her seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, March 20 from 2pm to 4pm at the Nickerson Funeral Home, 77 Eldredge Park Way, Orleans, MA. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00am on Monday, March 21 at Our Lady of the Cape Catholic Church. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to The School of Fashion Design Scholarship Funed, 136 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116. For online condolences and guestbook please visit us at www.nickersonfunerals.com.