BERNICE G. "BESSIE" COHEN

June 3, 1919 - November 8, 2015

Bernice G. Cohen (also known as Bessie), died Sunday, November 8, 2015. Bernice was born on June 3, 1919 to the late Lewis and Pauline Goldman in Boston, Massachusetts. She married the late Edward Cohen in 1949 and soon after they moved to Newton, Massachusetts where she lived for over 60 years. She graduated from Simmons College and later in life received a master’s degree in education from Northeastern University. Bernice was beloved mother, grandmother and wife. She always put the needs of her family first. Bernice served as the caregiver for her mother, her husband and was happy to help her neighbors. She was active in her children’s school serving as the President of the PTA and Girl Scout Troop leader. She had a freezer full of cookies for her children and their friends. She loved to play the violin and when reading a good book would often forget to cook dinner. She enjoyed bowling, crossword puzzles, sewing and shopping for bargains. She was the first to volunteer to come to Kansas City to stay with her granddaughters so they could party together. In her mid 70’s after the death of her husband she decided to get a “real” job and went to work at the New England Mobile Book Fair. This allowed her to socialize with customers and follow her passion for reading. She always knew the best new book and delighted in sending her grandchildren books and calendars for presents. She will be missed by her daughters, Marcia Cohen of Cambridge, MA and Ann Darke of Kansas City, MO as well as her two granddaughters, Jessica Darke of Santa Monica, CA and Maxie Darke of Pittsburgh, PA. There will be a celebration of life on Friday, November 27th at 3:30 at Village Shalom, 5500 West 123rd Street, Overland Park, KS. The family is very thankful for all the wonderful care she received while living for 6+ years at Village Shalom in the Memory Suites. In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions to Village Shalom or the Alzheimer’s Association.