Chessie Kouba

of Hillsdale, New Jersey, was among the first group of women (she was one of only thirty-three females) to enroll at Northeastern University in Boston during World War II. She earned a Bachelor of Science in two and a half years of continuous study, then received her certificate in physical therapy from the University of Pittsburgh, where she was a member of Dr. Jonas Salk’s polio research team. During the polio epidemic of the late 1940s and early 1950s, she rehabilitated patients in Urbana-Champaign, Illinois, initiating a groundbreaking hydrotherapy program making it easier for patients to exercise. When she and her late husband, George Kouba moved to New Jersey, she became chief therapist at the Hackensack Hospital. Later, owned and operated Sky Manor airport with her husband George Kouba in the 1960s. She returned to physical therapy in 1972 working at Summit NJ Hospital. She then moved to Hillsdale where she worked at Valley Nursing and other physical therapy offices, finally retiring in 1992.

She leaves behind her son George, daughter-in-law Liz and daughter Cynthia. Chessie is survived by her sister Louse Zbikowksa Olsewski.

Memorial service to be held on Saturday, October 9, 2021 from 2pm to 5pm at:

Becker Funeral Home

219 Kinderkamack Rd

Westwood, NJ 07675

(201) 664-0292

In honor of Chessie and in lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to The Alzheimer’s Association