ALBANY – Carmela M. LoGiudice Couser, 89, of Albany, passed away peacefully after a short illness on Thursday, August 27, 2020 at St. Peter’s Hospital. Carmela was born in Albany, the daughter of the late Santo and Genevieve Viglucci LoGiudice. She lived in Albany all her life, and was a graduate of Albany High School and the College of Saint Rose with both Bachelors and Masters degrees in education. She was employed as an elementary school teacher for over 30 years teaching at both Vincentian Institute and Holy Cross Grade Schools. Carmela inspired countless young students and was beloved by them and their families. She was an avid baker who will be remembered by many for her delicious Thanksgiving pies and the elaborate assortment of Christmas cookies she created every year. She loved her perennial garden and enjoyed walking, bird watching, Saturday shopping trips, and the company of her beloved dogs and cats. Above all Carmela treasured time spent with her family.
Carmela was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and sister. She was predeceased by her husband, the love of her life, Arthur E. Couser in 1993, and earlier this month by her son Arthur S. Couser. She is survived by her cherished children Anne Marie Couser (William Kuchinski) of Delmar, Michael Couser (Susan) of Chapin, SC, Kathryn Couser of Albany, Genevieve Couser (Stephen Dominiak) of Albany, and Thomas Couser (Dara Cole) of Marblehead, MA; her devoted sister Mary Ann LoGiudice, RSM, of Delmar; fourteen grandchildren, five great grandchildren and by her dear friend and neighbor, Ellin Luft. Carmela’s siblings and their spouses, Constance Pfister (Joseph), Joseph LoGiudice (Mary), and Santo LoGiudice also predeceased her.
Funeral services will be held privately at the convenience of the family. There will be no calling hours. Interment will be in Our Lady of Angels Cemetery, Colonie. For those wishing to make a memorial contribution the family suggests Community Maternity Services, 27 N Main Ave, Albany, NY 12203; or The Sisters of Mercy, 634 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Hans Funeral Home, Albany. To leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com.
Jenny Sayer
Thoughts and prayers to the Couser family. Wishing you all peace and love in the coming days as you cherish the memories of Grandma Couser. ❤️
Christine Bouchard
I am so sorry about the loss of your mom. Carm was a wonderful woman – so thoughtful and witty -, and even though we haven’t been able to see her since March, Ellin always kept us up to date on her well-being. She will be missed by all of us. Your family is in our thoughts as you cope with the loss of your dear mom and your brother.
Connie Ann Trump
Dear Family,
Aunt Mela was an accomplished lady and also the heart and soul of her home and family. Your dedicated care in her declining years enriched her life and she knew she was greatly loved. Losing her, so soon after also losing Sam and Artie, is a cross of unfathomable proportion. Our deepest condolences, love and prayers are with you all.
Connie Ann & Earl
Mike Nardacci
Tom and Mike and family–my condolences on the loss of your mom–and your brother Art. I hope the presence and support of family and friends will offer comfort in this sad time.
Donald Frament
Tom, sorry to read of your loss. I will say that she did a good job raising you. I know from your years at BMHS. I hope all is well in you life.
Don Frament
Kat Lanni
I’ve only known your mom for a 2 years and my sister Ellin introduced me to your mom while walking Max. She was a very sweet lady.
I’m sad that she is gone. But I’m glad I met her and we had the pleasure of having good conversations with her. I am very sorry for your loss.
Kate (Hoos) Booze
Dear Albany Family, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Great Aunt Mela. I have fond memories visiting her lovely home when I was a child and her warmth to my mother (Connie Pfister) and I. May peace be with you all.
Love,
Kate (Hoos) Booze, Greencastle, PA
david kircher
To the Couser Family,
I am deeply sorry for the loss of your wonderful Mother. She was one of the great Pine Hills Moms who helped shaped and influenced the lives of neighborhood children back when every Mom kept a watchful eye on us as we played throughout the day. She and your Dad were part of that strong network of parents who set an example of how to act as adults. Years later, your Mom was a teacher to my children and they have their memories of her loving approach to teaching, So many have known and loved her for who she was, She will always be part of tthe story of our life.
I hope that your memories and the stories of others will be with you always. Rest in Peace, Mrs. Couser.
Ronnie Herbst
Know that each of you are in my thoughts and prayers during this time of loss of your brother and Mom. I have memories that date way back to your lives on Myrtle Avenue.
Eleanor (Sis McGee) Lecours
I also have warm memories of visiting Mela with Mary Ann on Myrtle Av in the late 60’s(?). Her home was always full of beautiful kids, a happy husband and great aromas coming from the kitchen!
My thoughts and prayers continue for you, Mary Ann and all who loved her.
Richard Syrett.
To a beautiful person and wonderful teacher. There are no words to express our gratitude for her kindness and understanding to our boys Ricky and Christopher. Margaret and Dick Syrett
Mary Golding
Mrs. Couser was a wonderfully warm person. She was dignified yet caring. I knew her when I student taught many years ago and I admired her very much.
Murphy couser
We love you grandma and will forever keep you in our hearts!!!
Irene Tomczak Yeates
Never will forget those moments in the Couser household… “Mella always was at the stern, regardless if you arrived unexpectedly, or you were invited…. A remarkable woman in every sense of the word…. Rest in peace with your beloved “Arthur,” another gem; two shining stars in the heavens….
Nancy Thorsen
I was so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. She was a special person and wonderful teacher. She was a godsend to me. I think of her every fall when I make her applesauce recipe she gave my son’s class about 45 years ago (the original copy!).
All my best,
Nancy Thorsen
Price Chopper 23
Janice Smircich
It is with great sadness that we learned of Mela’s death. Our love and prayers are with you all.
Janice Smircich