Obituary of Patricia Pogue Couper

Patricia P. Couper, died on Monday, February 17, 2014 at her home in Clinton, N.Y. She was 90. Having earned a degree in French at Smith College in 1945, Patsy Couper came to Clinton in 1946 with her husband, Richard W. Couper, Hamilton Class of 1944, who like so many of his classmates had returned to finish studies interrupted by World War II. In 1947, the Coupers left the Mohawk Valley, settling in Binghamton, N.Y., Princeton, N.J. and later in Chappaqua, N.Y. when Dick Couper accepted the position as president of the New York Public Library. It was during this time period that Patsy developed her love of museums and libraries. She made it her habit to visit several every week during the years the Coupers lived in the New York City area. In 1962, the Coupers moved back to Clinton when Dick, a longterm Hamilton trustee, served his alma mater as administrative vice president and subsequently as acting president. After his retirement in 1990, the Coupers moved permanently to Clinton, where they built a home and became a vital part of the Hamilton College and the Mohawk Valley community. At Hamilton College, the Coupers created the Williams Watrous Couper Fund, which has supported the teaching and scholarship of hundreds of faculty members. Other Couper funds support the Burke Library, including an endowment to fund the library director's position. After Dick's death in 2006, Patsy continued to make contributions, which she called a "birthday gift to herself," to honor Hamilton alumni, faculty and staff. In 2007, the Hamilton Alumni Association presented Patsy with the Bell Ringer award in recognition for her service to Hamilton. And in 2011, Hamilton dedicated the library's Patricia Pogue Couper Research Room. In the same year, the college awarded her its highest honor, the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters of Hamilton College. Patsy was born on April 3, 1923, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Dorothy (Barrett) Pogue and Patterson Pogue. She is survived by three children, Frederick and his wife, Donna, of West Hartford, Conn, Thomas and his fiance Kelly Green, of Los Angeles, Calif. and Margaret Haskins and her husband, John, of Morrisville, Vt. She is predeceased by her husband Richard W. Couper, son Barrett W. Couper, grandnephew Charlie Kochersberger and nephew Peter Watrous. Her grandchildren are granddaughter Jeanette Haynes and husband Seon Haynes, and grandson Marc Couper, and granddaughters Rachel A. Haskins and Emily M. Haskins. Other relatives include nephew Charlie Watrous, nieces Janet Watrous and husband Bob Kochersberger, Elly Williams and husband James Summers, Cari Watrous and husband Jamie Buckley grandnephew Josh Abelow and grandnieces Tisch Abelow and Anne Kochersberger. Patsy loved nature and the nature of all things from the height of snow on the back patio to a late afternoon sunset. She loved to walk through her favorite haunt, the Hamilton College Root Glen, and talk about each and every tree and wild flower. She loved all aspects of the arts, spending years admiring the many famous works in New York City museums and spending recent years admiring the works of local artists and friends. She didn't like to multitask so when her favorite music came on the radio, she sat and enjoyed every note. And speaking of notes, she wrote often and daily to her myriad of family and friends, each word coming straight from her heart. Above all else, Patsy was a student of Hamilton College and at Hamilton. She regularly attended lectures and took classes. Patsy was fond of saying "life on the Hill is too good for me to be elsewhere." She kept a busy schedule of "Things To Do On Campus". Always motivated by the friends she met there as well as the pleasure of being part of Hamilton life. She was an enthusiastic supporter of the swim team and women's lacrosse team, attending home games and swim meets. Patsy was a faithful and enthusiastic admirer of the Hamilton College Choir and Oratorio Society, faithfully attending home concerts and musical performances. Every year, on the day the choir left for its spring tour, Patsy would send the students off with a smile and a wave to the departing buses, and welcome them back at the Spring Home Concert. She never failed to send a note of praise following the performance to Choir Director G. Roberts Kolb. To those of you that know her, you know that what Patsy loved most of all was people. She would drop any task to spend time listening to or talking with anyone of any age. She always made time for everyone. She especially had time for students, many of whom were the beneficiaries of her contributions to financial aid funds. She was seen almost daily eating lunch in Clinton with a student or faculty or staff member, listening to their stories and providing encouragement and support. The joy Patsy took in her life was matched only by the grace and generosity with which she shared that joy with others. She enriched the lives of all those she touched, and found the good in everything and everybody. She touched each and everyone of us and we will carry her with us to continue making this beautiful world of hers a better place for all. She was an inspiration, a breath of fresh air, a sprite, a love of our lives. We are happier and better people for having known her. Patsy will be remembered at a memorial service at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 22, in the Hamilton College Chapel. Calling hours are from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, February 21 at Owens-Pavlot & Rogers Funeral Service in Clinton. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to the Trustees of Hamilton College, 198 College Hill Road, Clinton, NY 13323.