1929 – 2014

PORTLAND — Velma Irene Cousineau, 84, of Strong, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 5, at Maine Medical Center, with her loving family by her side.

She was born in Phillips on Aug. 30, 1929, to Lynwood and Nellie (Huntington) Hinkley. She was educated in the schools of Phillips and graduated from Phillips High School. Velma grew up in the small communities of Phillips and Strong, and enjoyed the simple life … then she met Ernest! She married Ernest Cousineau in 1950, and had a lifetime of love, laughter, adventure and hard work. Velma and Ernest had one son, Randy, who joined his parents on a life in the wood business.

Velma and Ernest carved out a living with long hours and a commitment to eventually run their own sawmill. Ernest gained experience working for Virgil and Harrison Starbird and during the winter months, Velma and Ernest worked nights at Strong Wood Turning and during the day, Ernest cut logs and trucked to his mill. Eventually in 1959-1960, Cousineau Inc. Buildings and Machinery was up and running and the rest is history.

Velma treasured her “girl friends” and was always ready for a trip to the racetrack. Velma loved singing and if a country music show was around the area, you could find her there! Velma said, “I have a lifetime to grow up, I’m in no hurry.” Velma’s life was defined by her love of family and friends.

During Velma’s senior years, she enjoyed the loving company and adventures with Jack Hinkley. Jack gave Velma the happiness of trips through the mountains in a convertible with the top down, trips for ice cream on a hot day and Myrtle Beach for an annual holiday. Some days, Jack would lift her in the truck and take her along while delivering a load of firewood. Jack gave Velma the opportunity to live a full life right to the “finish line.”

When the grandchildren were young, Velma and Ernest were frequent visitors to Disney and OOB, as well as constant fun at their Porter Lake camp. Whenever a grandchild was leaving, Velma would say, “Come over here so grandma can get your honey,” and then a kiss on the neck would occur. Velma enjoyed volunteering at school, helping with the reading program. Many people called Velma “Gram,” because she always had her home open to all young people.

Velma is survived by her son, Randy Cousineau and companion, Debi Martin; her “fantasy” daughter, Anita Burton and husband, Jack; her grandsons, Brody Cousineau and companion, Mindy Kenney, and his sons, Kole, Dane and Reed, and Joseph Cousineau and companion, Caitlin Weese and son, Samuel; her granddaughter, Brandi Cousineau Hau and husband, Christopher, and sons, Max, Dominic and Alex; and her partner, Jack Hinkley.

She was predeceased by her parents and her husband, Ernest Cousineau.

Velma was loved by many people and will be sadly missed by family and friends.