Ruth O. Cowell

06/01/2001

Ruth O. Cowell, 88, of Kimball Farms Retirement Community, 235 Walker St., died Friday at Kimball Farms Nursing Care Center. She moved to Kimball Farms in 1999 from Brookline. Born in Wyncote, Pa., on Aug. 2, 1912, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Openshaw, she earned a degree in chemistry from the University of Pennsylvania and a master's degree in social work from Smith College. Born in Wyncote, Pa., on Aug. 2, 1912, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Openshaw, she earned a degree in chemistry from the University of Pennsylvania and a master's degree in social work from Smith College. She moved to New York City in the late 1930s and was employed as a social worker at the Community Service Society. In 1944, she moved to Westwood, N.J., and was employed for 23 years at North Essex Child Guidance Clinic in Bloomfield, N.J., which she helped to establish as a comprehensive mental health clinic for all ages. She retired in 1981 after 15 years as executive director. After her retirement, she took sculpture classes at Ramapo Community College in New Jersey. At age 80, she entered shows and sold her work as a practicing artist. After moving to the Berkshires, she continued to work in watercolors and wax figures. She was a member of the New England Sculpture Society. Her husband, Lawrence Cowell, whom she married in 1944, died in 1983. She leaves a daughter, Susan Cowell of New York City; a son, Stephen Cowell of Tyringham, and four grandchildren. A private memorial service will be held at the home of Steve and Ricki Cowell on June 16, 2001. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to the charity of the donor's choice in care of ROCHE FUNERAL HOME, 120 Main St., Lenox, MA 01240.

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