WASHINGTON – Miranda Sue Cousins, 39, after a long battle with pain and mental anguish, decided to end her life on Friday, January 10, 2020 at her home in Washington.

Miranda was born in Rockport to Ronald and Mary Ellen (Keller) Cousins on August 24, 1980.

She grew up in Union where she attended school and graduated from Medomak Valley High School in 1999.  She would later pursue a career in IT Tech and took classes at the University of Maine Augusta. 

During her youth Miranda spent much of her time on the farm to indulge in her love of animals. She had a special place in her heart for horses and dogs. She loved animals with spirit! Miranda enjoyed riding horses and took lessons for several years. She really liked the challenge of a horse that couldn't be, or hadn't been, ridden yet!

When she was younger Miranda was also a member of the Warren Baptist Church.

"Deedle," as she was affectionately known by her nephews Tyler, Jason, and Benjamin Pearse, spent many hours playing, babysitting and generally spoiling them.

During her years after high school Miranda had a variety of jobs ranging from sternperson on a lobster boat, cable T.V. installer in North Carolina and call center operator. Her most loved job was working with the developmentally challenged residents of Coastal Opportunities in Rockland, where she most recently supervised two of the residential homes. Miranda cherished this type of employment as she found it very rewarding to be of service to others.

One of Miranda's best attributes was her take charge and get-it-done attitude. She was known for her unwavering determination and willingness to work hard. She liked to say she had "Grit!" She always got the job done. Miranda was just as likely to be seen wielding a chainsaw, cutting firewood or brush as she was to be baking some of the most decadent cheesecakes you had ever tasted! She could do it all! She was also a volunteer firefighter for the Owls Head Fire Dept. for quite some time.

Miranda had many interests from riding her motorcycle, to attending the shotgun and pistol shoots at the Beaver Lodge Rifle Range, to Kayaking. She was so full of life!

At one time Miranda was married to Tim Sternberg and they resided in Owls Head, Maine. Having outgrown the "farm" in Owls Head she and her father took up residence at a larger farm in Washington, where she had room for all her pets and critters. Miranda was especially fond of Great Danes, which she bred and raised, keeping three of her own. Mini, Zellie, and Thunder will certainly miss her! 

Her last years at the farm were shared with her loving boyfriend, Michael Ward, of Waldoboro. Michael will continue to take care of the farm and her pets in her absence. 

Miranda is survived by her mother Mary Ellen Peabody, of Warren; her father, Ronald Cousins, of Thomaston; her brother, Christopher Cousins, of Camden; her sister, Katherine Strout, and her husband, Paul, of Warren; and her nephews, Tyler, Jason and Benjamin Pearse, and their father, Eric Pearse, of Hope.

Miranda also leaves behind a large extended family on her mother's side, most of whom reside in Arkansas. 

Friends and relatives are invited to join in an informal remembrance of Miranda's life on Saturday, January 18, 2020, from 2 to 4 p.m., at the Warren Baptist Church fellowship hall, 166 Main Street, in Warren. 

A graveside service will take place in the spring.

To share a memory or condolence with Miranda’s family, please visit their Book of Memories at bchfh.com