Obituary of Dorothy Cousins

Dorothy (Dottie) Cousins was taken from us suddenly in a car accident on May 23, 2023. We have lost a bright ray of sunshine and she always had an open house, open arms, and open heart. She will be remembered for her gregarious personality, boisterous laugh, and never-ending supply of hugs. She was born on August 10, 1943 in Colorado and was the fourth of six children born to Virgel and Margaret Durbin. She grew up on Bainbridge Island, WA and attended Bainbridge High School. One of her favorite memories was when she made her film debut as an extra in the Elvis Presley movie “It Happened At The World's Fair” while working at the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair Space Needle cotton candy stand. You can spot her dressed in a white blouse and a black and white checked skirt. She steps from the crowd during the final parade scene and can be seen walking alongside Elvis. In 1962 she married William Kingery and they had two daughters, Wendy and Alese. After they divorced in 1973, she and her girls relocated to Santa Cruz. In 1974 she married Frank Cousins and together they built a life for their family until his death in 2017. The center of her universe was her family. She adored, and was adored by her daughters and their husbands: Wendy Peterson (husband- Dan) of Hudson, WI and Alese Greene (husband- Danny) of Aptos, CA. She passionately loved and spoiled her grandchildren Nicholas Greene, Jennifer Greene, Erik Peterson and Ryan Peterson. “Party, Party, Party!” was her baby-sitting battle cry and the sky was the limit if it involved treats and fun. She worked for State Farm Insurance for 28 years as a claim representative in the Capitola, CA and San Jose, CA offices until her retirement in 2004. Dottie was independent and feisty, steadfastly reliable, always quick to offer assistance and maintained a “never-say-never” attitude that never wavered. Everyone was greeted with “Hey you little dickens!” Dottie loved her cat Roxy, Birkenstocks, roller coasters, dancing, laughing, Elvis music, black licorice, bubble gum jelly bellies, lilacs, lavender, and especially marshmallow peeps. She spent countless hours crafting and if anyone needed crafting supplies Dottie had them all! She was a social butterfly and a fiercely loyal friend. She was the “Queen” of her Mobile Home Park and held positions on the board, activities director, and welcoming committee. She loved to spend time with her many amazing friends (too many to list) at Red Hat Society meetings, playing Bunco and most recently, Rummikub. Dottie especially enjoyed planning any type of social event which ALWAYS included sweets (She never met a cupcake she didn’t like!) and gift bags. Dottie was a kick in the pants! She was a beautiful fireball who taught us all to love fiercely, forgive quickly and speak our minds when necessary. She was always looking for ways to be of service to others. When everyone else stepped back, Dottie was the first to step up! Her loss is deeply felt by all who were blessed to know her. Dottie is survived by her brothers Roger (Wife-Patricia) Durbin, Grayland, WA and Richard Durbin, Colville, WA. She is survived by her sister Margaret Ilene Hendrickson, Dandridge, TN who also lost her beloved husband James in the car accident. Dottie was preceded in death by two brothers, Robert Durbin and Roy Durbin. Dottie also leaves behind many cousins, nieces and nephews. A celebration of life will be held Sunday, July 9, 2023 at Seacliff Park Covered Picnic Area from 11:00am-2:00pmand yes, there will be Elvis music! Always full of surprises, Dottie recently shared her life-long dream to be a zoo-keeper! In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to: San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.