Barbara Joyce Cogswell
Barbara Cogswell
Barbara Joyce Cogswell, 92, was born in St. Louis, Missouri on March 9, 1933, to George Benoist, Sr. and Margaret Benoist (Nee, Beuckemann). Barbara passed away on November 10, 2025, in the home of her daughter and son-in-law after a short illness, surrounded by family members who loved her. In the mid-1950’s Barbara moved from St. Louis to Seattle, Washington where she met the love of her life, Billie Cogswell, on New Years eve, 1955. They were subsequently married the following year. Bill was a well known, established Seattle restaurateur, where he and a partner owned the Plaid Piper, Casa Villa, and Hungry Turtle.
Bill and Barbara loved entertaining friends/family and traveling in their motor-home to California and points in-between. Barbara was a fabulous hostess and cook – so an invitation to her and Bill’s home always meant fun and great food. In later life, Barbara enjoyed an occasional day trip to the casino. She was very outgoing and took an interest in the people she met in daily life….chatting with and knowing the names of her grocery check-out person, deli attendant, and cocktail waitresses, as examples.
Barbara was preceded in death by husband Bill, her parents and three brothers. She is survived by her youngest brother, Gilbert F. Benoist of St. Charles, MO; daughter, Michelle (Ron) Byerley of Mill Creek, WA; daughter, Babette Del Los Reyes of San Diego, CA; Michael (Melissa) Cogswell of Marysville, WA; along with her loving grand-kids, great grand-kids, and great, great, grand-kids.
A celebration of Barbara’s life will be announced at a later date.
8 Responses to “Barbara Joyce Cogswell”
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Love you and miss my partner in crime. So many great memories. Forever in my heart.
My condolences to the family. I will remember her always, as kind and loving. RIP❤️🙏
Sending our love in our prayers and thinking of her always she was a hoot, and a good plug lol, thank you, Barbara, for all the enjoyment that you have shown me and the love that you showed me you will forever be in our hearts and I am so sorry for Michelle your daughter and Ron‘s loss and family, we will dearly miss her💝
Barbara, I will certainly miss you. We had some good times together and lots of happy hours and drinks. Love you dearly.🍸🍾🥂🍷🍹
She was my cousin. After her mother passed she lived with us in St.Louis
before moving to Seattle.
We called her “Sis”.
Always beautiful with a dimpled smile that covered her face. She excelled at everything and found the love of her life when she married Bill, he adored her.
Barbara knew who she was and made no excuses, injecting humor into most situations. She was the most authentic woman I have ever known. She remained beautiful until the end, it was impossible not to love her. While I am so saddened by her passing, I find myself so grateful to have known her stories, her joy, and her heart. Sweet dreams.
Have known Barb approximately 45 years. I worked with Michelle and got to know her mum. She was always so much fun and then in later years joined Michelle and her husband Ron along with several other couples for get togethers throughout the year. She was a welcome addition to the group and will be missed. Nothing but wonderful memories of a beautiful lady.
To my mom, I’m missing you terribly bad, you told me not to be sad,missing talking to you every morning and evening,I find comfort in knowing you’re with dad again.love you and thanks for being here for so many fun years.
Rest easy Mom Love Me❤️
Mom, I miss you so much. The multiple calls a day unless you were having fun at the casino. You were so strong always. I’m sure you are having the time of your life in heaven with family and friends.
I love you and miss you always❤️❤️
Thank you for everything always! 🙏
Babs