One of basketball’s most outstanding point guards, Bob Cousy’s wife, Marie Missie Ritterbusch, passed away on September 20, 2013, after suffering from dementia for several years.
Born Robert Joseph Cousy on August 9, 1928, he started his career after leading Holy Cross College to an NCAA championship in 1947.
Cousy played for the Boston Celtics from 1950 to 1963, winning six NBA championships.
Nicknamed the “Houdini of the Hardwood,” his achievements include 13 All-Star appearances, 10 All-NBA First Team selections, and the 1957 NBA MVP award.
Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1971, he was later named one of the NBA’s 50 Greatest Players and part of the 75th Anniversary Team.
Bob Cousy and Missie Ritterbusch Were Married for More Than Six Decades!
The couple met at Holy Cross during Bob’s college years. The college sweethearts tied the knot in December 1950.
Missie was a supportive figure throughout Bob’s illustrious basketball career, known for her warmth and commitment.
In an interview with The Worcester Telegram & Gazette about his 63 years of marriage, Cousy described how their love developed with time, saying:
“Our marriage was somewhat contrary to tradition. Most couples have the most intensity in the beginning. But I was always working. So we had the best and most romantic part of our marriage at the end. We literally held hands for the last 20 years.”
He mentioned how they were together throughout his career, raising their children and navigating Missie’s struggles with dementia.
Bob Cousy shared that his wife, Missie, began showing signs of dementia about 12 years before her passing.
According to Bob, she frequently repeated questions, became disoriented, and struggled with balance.
However, Bob patiently answered her repeated questions and ensured she was comfortable and cared for.
Despite these challenges, she always recognized her husband and refused to accept that she was battling dementia.
For her to feel at ease, Cousy developed strategies to maintain the illusion that Missie was still her old self.
Bob arranged for her station wagon to be sent to their Florida home each winter because she believed she could still drive.
He also took care of household chores, from planting artificial flowers in the garden to completing tasks, all while letting her think she had done them herself.
As Missie’s condition worsened, Bob spent nearly all his time with her, aside from occasional golf games or outings with friends.
Reflecting on their time together, Cousy said it brought them closer and was never a burden. He explained,
“I knew she would have done the same for me. You just have to go with the flow.”
For his emotional release, Bob Cousy admitted to occasionally shouting out in frustration every few months but remained devoted to Missie.
The Long-term Married Couple, Bob and Missie, Shared Two Daughters!
Bob and Missie Cousy have two daughters, Marie and Ticia, both of whom grew up in Worcester, Massachusetts, where the couple settled.
Missie played a significant role in household management, especially during Bob’s frequent travels with the Boston Celtics.
Bob has occasionally spoken about his pride in his daughters and their strong family bond.
Marie and Ticia were sources of comfort for Bob, particularly during Missie’s later years and after her passing.
Bob has often expressed how important family was to him, emphasizing that his relationships with Missie and their daughters were the foundation of his life.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Bob Cousy started playing basketball at 13 at St. Pascal’s Elementary School.
- He also advocated for players’ rights and racial equality, standing by his Black teammates during a challenging era.
- Bob currently works as a marketing consultant for the Boston Celtics.
