Obituary of Ann Betty Koussa

Ed passed away on Sept 13th at age 90. Ann passed away on Sept 18th at age 84. They have joined God's kingdom. They leave behind their very loved pups Bonnie and Bijou along with many beloved nieces, nephews and dear friends. Ed was the youngest of nine children born to Kareem and Angelina Koussa in Central Falls, Rhode Island. Ed enjoyed the benefits of being surrounded by a multitude of cousins, aunts and uncles all who had a hand in raising him. Ed's siblings : Lena, Lou, Gerry, Fred, Joe, Emily, George, and Harold Koussa all married wonderful spouses and their children provided Ed with a magnificent extended family. Ann (Annie) was also the baby of her family and much loved and protected by her parents, Herbert (Bertram) and Ethel Lottie Barrett and adored by her elder sister, Joan whom she always looked up to and sought to emulate. Annie was born and brought up in wartime London. Her father was in the City of London Police and there were many stories of near misses during that extraordinary time and also stories of humour and finding fun in tough times with the love of a solid and stoic family making it through together. An Air-force veteran; Ed enjoyed a successful career as an electronics engineer with Hughes Aircraft. His job with Hughes aircraft brought him to California during the golden age of air travel. Ed's first wife Anita (Herbert) Koussa predeceased him in 1985. During those years Ed spent his free time navigating the waters of the Pacific, the Colorado river, and Lake Havasu. Ed was a top notch mariner. Music brought Ed great pleasure; a talented saxophone player and flutist; Ed spent his adult life playing music wherever he was. In Lake Havasu he played with his church bands and also played in the Havasu Orchestra. Playing and listening to music brought him great joy. Annie was brave and adventurous, leaving London when she was just 20 to come to the US with her first husband, Bill. She eventually settled in Massachusetts and worked throughout her life in computer technology companies. She was gregarious and loved people, deriving her energy and joy from connecting with others, chatting and finding out all about them. Annie and Ed found each other towards the end of their working lives and very quickly decided they were meant to spend the rest of their lives together in Arizona. She was a second Mum to a number of family members and friends who were embraced by the Koussa household. Annie always wanted to give visitors a gift of some sort, so generous in actions and in spirit. She loved animals, especially dogs and tigers, and adored their two little dogs, Bijou and Bonnie. Ann was an amazing cook. Anyone who had the pleasure of eating one of Ann's culinary creations was in for a treat. Feeding people meant she could combine her creativity with the joy of being together with loved ones, connecting and having fun and sharing the gift of delicious treats. Her beautiful smile could light up a room. Ed and Ann were active members of the Abundant Grace Church. They participated in mission work and bible study and enjoyed their church family tremendously. Ed was an active volunteer in the Havasu community volunteering at Hospice of Havasu and with the VA among others. Ed and Ann had a way of putting others at ease with their gentle manner and excellent sense of humour. It felt good to be around Ed and Ann. They mentored many people during their lives and took great pleasure in seeing people grow closer to God. Their friendships were many and rich. They lived honorable lives. They will be missed. Ed and Ann's Family would like to thank the health care workers and friends who helped them during their time of need. A graveside service will take place on Oct 5th at 10 am at Lake Havasu Memorial Gardens cemetery. In lieu of flowers Ed and Ann request that people donate to a charity of their own choosing and think of them with a smile.