Shirley Cohn, 96

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WARWICK, R.I. – Shirley E. (Davidson) Cohn passed away peacefully on March 17. She was the beloved wife of the late Jerome B. Cohn for 38 years.  

Born in New London, Connecticut, a daughter of the late David and Anna Davidson, she was a resident of Warwick, previously living in Hilton Head, South Carolina and the San Francisco Bay area of California. 

She was the devoted mother of Susan Sweeney and her husband, Edward, of South Kingstown, Lawrence Cohn and his wife, Mary, of Menlo Park, California, and the late Roberta Nahigian (Ralph). She was the loving grandmother of Laurie Deignan (Kevin), Rebecca Sardinskas (Gregory) and Francesca Cohn.  She was the cherished “Nanny Shirley” to her great-grandchildren Allyson, Kelly, Noah, Grace, Christopher and Matthew.

She was the dear sister of the late Kenneth Davidson, Geraldine Greenberg, Murial Rosenthal, Irene Wolfe and Rosalind Tarlow. She was an adored aunt and a dear friend to many. 

During WWII, Shirley contributed to the war effort by being a “Rosie the Riveter” and manufacturing guns at Colt in Hartford every evening after her day job. She waited for Jerry Cohn during the war and married him when he returned.  Shirley and Jerry owned Triangle Confectionary in Pawtucket for many years before retiring and moving to California.  While in California they opened Puckers and served frozen lemonade to many residents of Berkeley who lined up around the block.  Shirley was fondly known as “Mrs. Puckers” to all the children who visited Fairyland, USA in Oakland, California.  After her husband’s death, she moved back to the East Coast. Shirley worked for The Hartford, in Simsbury, Connecticut, and The Chamber of Commerce in Hilton Head, South Carolina. 

Shirley had an adventurous spirit. She loved flying in a biplane to a nearby glacier and whitewater rafting in Alaska.  Istanbul and Portugal were both highlights of her travels. 

Shirley taught herself to knit and crafted many beautiful family heirlooms that are worn and enjoyed by all her family members.   The opera was a great enjoyment for Shirley, and she loved watching the Metropolitan operas live at the Showcase Cinema.  The time spent at Bonnet Shores every summer with family was cherished time for her. She loved dining out, trying adventurous foods and especially eating ice cream with family and friends.

The family is especially grateful to her caregiver and dear friend, Joanne Griffith, and Maureen Sullivan whose friendship and wonderful home-cooked meals were very much enjoyed, as well as her companions from Home Instead Senior Care.  The family would also like to acknowledge the kindness and care of the staff at Brentwood Nursing Home. 

obituary, Shirley Cohn