Audrey J. Cohen, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, the life of the party and a true dancing queen, who lived in Rye, N.Y., passed away peacefully on October 2, 2023, in Greenwich Hospital, Connecticut, at the age of 94. Her journey began on June 18, 1929, in the Bronx, New York, when she was born to the late Anna Greenberg and Aaron Katz. While growing up, during the summers she lived at the Lake View House, a small hotel in Ellenville in the Catskills that her extended family owned and ran together. There she swam, rode horses, sat in trees, and spent time with her beloved Grandparents, Mother, Uncles and her little black dog, Blackie.
Audrey was inseparable from the love of her life, her husband of 73 years, Alex Cohen. Together, they created a lifetime of cherished memories and shared experiences. Audrey took great pride in her children and their families. Audrey’s legacy lives on through her three children and their spouses: Elynn Cohen and Dr. Dan Strahs, Laura and Gary Kolakowski, and Philip Cohen and Dr. Amanda Raff. Her heart overflowed with pride for her grandchildren: Leah Strahs, Jonathan Strahs, Daniel Raff Cohen, Zander Raff Cohen, Stacey and Justin Moss, Sean and Marcia Kolakowski, and Adam and Kim Kolakowski. She was also blessed with a little bundle of joy, her great-granddaughter, Bren Kolakowski, who brought her much happiness.
Audrey had a passion for education and dedicated her career to teaching. She began her journey as a primary school teacher in the Bronx at both P.S. 42 and P.S. 2. She later worked as a reading specialist at the Bank Street School of Education and the Little Red Schoolhouse in Manhattan. Audrey also made a lasting impact teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) to students in the public schools of Miami.
Audrey had a vibrant personality and a zest for life. She loved hosting parties, dancing, theater, writing poems, and traveling. Family gatherings were always a highlight for her, and she cherished the time spent with her loved ones. After retirement, she and Alex lived in Miami, Florida, during the winters and enjoyed the warm climate and a very active social life. They traveled to far flung and interesting places, including Europe, South and Central America, and Asia.
Audrey’s educational journey included attending P.S. 23 in the Bronx for primary school, Walton High School for her secondary education, and New York University, where she earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in education.
To celebrate Audrey’s life and honor her indomitable spirit, friends and family are invited to attend the memorial service, which will be held at Rosenthal Memorial Chapel, located at 491 Mamaroneck Avenue, White Plains, NY, on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, from 10 am to 11 am.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Audrey’s memory to the American Heart Association. Contributions will help support their vital research and efforts to combat heart disease.
Audrey Cohen will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. May her spirit dance on in our hearts, reminding us to celebrate every moment and to never miss a party.
