Judith Fish Cohen passed away on May 6, 2023 in Lake Mary, FL. Judy was born on June 14, 1936 in Presque Isle, Maine to Ida and Samuel Fish. Judy was an accomplished flutist during high school; she played in her school band and orchestra, as well as the county and state bands. Judy graduated from Syracuse university in 1959, and then worked for General Electric in Syracuse, NY. In 1960, Judy married Dr. Melvin Cohen.
Judy was active in the Hadassah organization for 60+ years. She joined a Hadassah chapter while her husband was stationed at Fort Benning, GA. Over the decades, Judy’s responsibilities grew to include Orlando, FL Chapter of Hadassah Board, and the VP Membership for the Board of Florida Central Region, which involved membership training throughout the Florida Central Region. For 10 years, Judy was a member of Hadassah’s National Southeast Area Development Center, which covered 11 southeastern states. For three years, she was Chair of the Keepers of the Gate project. Her responsibilities also included Hadassah Major Gifts.
While living in Corning, NY for 20+ years, Judy was involved in PTA, Corning Hospital Council, Civic Music Association, AAUW and League of Women Voters. She found her niche in fundraising and membership.
After moving to Lake Mary, FL, Judy decided to pursue an adult Bat Mitzvah. She learned Hebrew, Torah and all aspects of the shabbat service, culminating in a Bat Mitzvah ceremony when she was 59 years old. After her Bat Mitzvah, Judy served on Congregation Ohev Shalom’s Ritual Committee for several years and also chaired that committee. Judy also was active in Congregation Ohev Shalom’s Sisterhood, including VP of Membership.
Judy is survived by her daughters Miriam Kuhn of Middleton, WI and Renee (Margo) Cohen of Fort Lauderdale, FL and son Harvey (Helena) of Plantation, FL. She is also survived by her grandchildren Joshua Kuhn, Nina Kuhn, Maxwell Cohen and Zivah Cohen. Judy was predeceased by her husband of 61 years, Dr. Melvin Cohen.
Funeral Services for Ms. Cohen will be held Tuesday, May 9, 2023 at 11:00 AM at the Pavilion of Ohev Shalom Cemetery (6034 Old Winter Garden Road) with Rabbi Geoffrey Spector of Congregation Ohev Shalom officiating. May she rest in peace and may her memory always be a blessing.