Gwen Cohen's Obituary
Gwen Cohen, a radiant and spirited woman, passed away on December 7, 2024, in Boca Raton, FL, surrounded by her loving family. Born on May 7, 1935, in Brooklyn, NY, to William and Lillian Hershkowitz, Gwen's life was marked by her fierce competitiveness, profound devotion to her family, and her boundless love for adventure.
Gwen's life story began by chance on a roadside, where she met her future husband, Wesley Cohen. Known affectionately as "Harpo" for her vibrant humor and unique hairstyle, she embarked on a lifelong journey with Wesley, filled with both challenges and triumphs. Together, they navigated life's fluctuations for 59 years until Wesley's passing in 2020. With an eye toward retirement and an eventual move to Florida, Gwen and Wes founded a retail undergarments business which not only supported their family but also funded their children’s educations and their own travels to destinations like Singapore and Vietnam.
Gwen was deeply committed to her family, cherishing her three sons, Seth, Mark, and Jeffrey, and their wives, Dorie, Diane, and Diana respectively. She treasured her eight grandchildren, Matthew, Joshua, Abigail, Benjamin, Rachel, Priscilla, Victor, Declan, Lucas, Faith and Hope, and her four great-grandchildren, Madison, Wesley, Esther, and Gideon, who knew her lovingly as "Mimi Gwen." She instilled in them the importance of nurturing enduring, loving relationships, and lived a life of selflessness, always prioritizing the needs of others over her own.
Her adventurous spirit was not just limited to travel; Gwen was passionate about word games, Scrabble, crosswords, Sudoku, reading novels, particularly those by Kristin Hannah, and enjoyed playing Canasta and Mah Jong. Her "wine nights" with friends were a testament to her vibrant social life and deep connections. Always impeccably dressed, Gwen had a love for shopping, a trait many in her family inherited.
A significant highlight of her later years was her bat mitzvah in Jerusalem in 1993, marking a profound personal milestone. Gwen's closest confidante was her sister Toby, alongside her late husband Wesley. Her relationships extended beyond immediate family, known affectionately as "Aunt Gwennie" by her nieces and nephews.
Gwen's legacy is not only preserved in the stories shared by her loved ones but also woven into the very fabric of their lives. She taught them to love without reservation and to live each moment with unwavering passion and zest.
A graveside service will be held at Eternal Lights Memorial Gardens in Boynton Beach, FL, on Monday, December 9, at 11 am. Shiva will follow at the home of Toby Lehon, 7132 Cataluna Circle, Delray Beach, FL.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of choice in Gwen's memory. Her spirit and love will forever resonate within the hearts and memories of those she touched.
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