Joan Helene Cohen was a unique individual. Those who met her for the first time were impressed with her friendly and lively personality. In all truth, Joan gave new meaning to the biblical quotation, “Eat drink and be merry.”
And because she enjoyed herself, Joan was a fun person to be with.
During her 85 years, Joan wore many hats: first as a daughter, then wife, mother, grandmother, and finally as a great-grandma to --- children. When the youngest could not pronounce “great grandma,” they said, “Rah-gah,” and from that moment the nickname stuck to her tiny frame like glue.
As time went on, simple aches and pains of aging evolved into life threatening health issues that finally meant being moved to a hospice. But Joan was never alone, she was constantly surrounded by a huge and loving family. The grown grandkids and the younger ones kept visiting around the clock, their words were always the same: “Mom, I love you – Grandma, I love you, and Rah-gah, I love you.”
More than words can say, the dedication and devotion Joan’s daughter, Judy Rosas, has displayed is a magnificent example of unselfish behavior. And for this reason she fits the Judaic expression about a woman of value – yes, Judy’s value is clearly a price above rubies.
Her sister, Marlene, has said, that during their childhood Joan was protective and easy going, even when she kept her up at night if she had a bad dream or saw a shadow on the wall. Marlene knew she could jump into her sister’s bed to feel cozy and safe. In her own words, she will treasure those memories forever.
Little did Joan Helene Cohen, nee Richland, know that when she met Howard Cohen at age thirteen, that they would marry and raise a large family. Joan and Howard were childhood sweethearts. Joan was all of 17 years old when they wed, and Howard, handsome in his sailor uniform, was several years older. Ted Elliot was the first-born followed by Clyde Arnold. A third child, Sherry Lynn, died at the tender age of 11 months old, and is buried not far from where we stand. Later on, Joan and Howard were blessed with the gift of twins: Judith Alane and Richard Alan. Howard, who passed on in his late-thirties, rests at peace close to this gravesite.
Today, Joan’s four children surround her with a sense of love that is special and reserved for their mother. Joan was lucky to have great daughters-in-laws and a fabulous son-in-law, all of who will remember their mother-in-law as the matriarch responsible for 13 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.
In closing, Judy sat by her mother’s side for endless hours as Joan’s life dwindled down, and so did Richard, Ted and the others. Then one night as Joan’s journey from earthly cares carried her home, G-d’s finger touched her and she slept.
Joan is now at peace in His heavenly embrace . . . ~ Marlene Klotz (Sister)
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