Loudwina G. Cogswell

Loudwina Gloria Cogswell, 83, of Portsmouth, Rhode Island, died at her home peacefully surrounded by her family, Saturday, September 20, 2014.Born in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, on October 18, 1930, she was the daughter of the late Manuel A. and Rose (Mello) Sousa of Portsmouth, RI and the sister of the late Edward M. Sousa of Yucca Valley, California.Loudwina attended Rogers High School where she was an exceptional student and a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society and was fluent in 3 languages. During this time, she worked as a sweater model for Fall River Knitting Mills and loved fashion. As her yearbook quote stated, a girl who always had a cheery greeting and a friendly smile for everyone - had beautiful clothes with the new look! . During this time, she met and married her husband of 64 years, Ret. USCG CWO4 Paul H. Cogswell. Throughout her lifetime, she was able to travel the world as a military wife including Hawaii, which was one of her favorite places. Loudwina leaves behind a profound legacy to those who knew her as not just a devoted mother of six children and a grandmother to many, but also an exceedingly caring spirit who opened her doors to countless friends in need. She was always able to find the good in everyone and was always proud of her familys accomplishments. Loudwina was also known for her courage and resilience -- she faced uphill battles with the utmost level of strength, serving as an inspiration for those that knew her. She is survived by her husband, Ret. USCG CWO4 Paul H. Cogswell, as well as six children and many grandchildren: Paul J. and Carolyn (Tyler) Cogswell of Santa Cruz, California and his children Shawna, Cutler, and Rose; Lorna J. Cogswell of Newport, Rhode Island and her children Nicole and Alex; Matthew J. and Linda (Baker) Cogswell of Tiverton, Rhode Island and their children Donald, Kenneth, Gabriel, and Kelly; Peter J. and Priscilla (Pemberton) Cogswell of Chula Vista, California and their children Brandi and Mitchell; Morgan J. Cogswell of Portsmouth, Rhode Island; Michael and Suzanne L. (Cogswell) Conley of Middletown, Rhode Island and their children Megan and Michaela. In addition to being a mother and grandmother, Loudwina also had six great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews, as well as a large amount of "adopted children". Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, September 24, 2014, from 4:00-6:00pm, in the Connors Funeral Home, 55 West Main Road, Portsmouth.In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Loudwina to VNS of Newport and Bristol Counties, 1184 East Main Road, Portsmouth, RI 02871. Visitation SEP 24. 04:00 PM - 06:00 PM Connors Funeral Home 55 West Main Road Portsmouth, RI, US, 02871 info@memorialfuneralhome.com http://www.connorsfuneralhome.com