Rachael Cohen

1922 – 2015



Merritt Island, FL – Rachael (Passo) Cohen, 93, formerly of Holyoke, MA, died Tuesday at her Florida residence surrounded by her loving family. Rachael was born and raised in New York City. In her teen years she moved to Holyoke with her family. She attended Holyoke High School where she excelled in the business curriculum and graduated second in her class. Though she was offered a full scholarship to attend a renowned business college in the area, she chose her heart's desire to be married and to have a family. She married her "one and only" Mitch Cohen in 1943. The couple lived in Massachusetts for most of their married life while raising their children, who adore them. Rachael's six children feel truly blessed to have had her for their mother. Her selflessness, compassion and devotion were of the truest nature, because her heart always radiated pure joy and love. Many beyond her immediate family who gravitated to her because of her kindness and unconditional love called her Mom and Grandma. When Rachael's youngest child entered school, she took a part-time job with Polep Brothers where her business skills were put to good use. Her employers valued her presence and her work abilities as well as her wonderful relationship skills. When she and her husband both retired they moved to Florida, where they happily lived many years together. She was predeceased by her husband Mitch, brother Abraham Passo, sisters Sarah Kanner and Pearl Nuger and son-in-law Milton R. Anderson. She leaves behind her six children and their spouses, Julianne Press and Allan, Estelle Cohen, Myra Morneau and Christopher, Leonard Cohen and Marie, Jack Cohen and Cathy and Steven Cohen and Michelle; her sister Bess Cohen; her brother Herbert Passo and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. The funeral will be held at the Rodphey Sholom Synagogue in Holyoke, MA, Sunday, September 13, 2015 at 10:00 AM with burial in Rodphey Sholom Cemetery in Chicopee, MA. The West Springfield Curran-Jones Funeral Home is handling all arrangements. Shiva will be held at the home of Leonard and Marie Cohen, 1 Pheasant Drive, Holyoke, MA, following the burial service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN, 38105 or www.stjude.org.