Phyllis June Cohen Obituary (1934 - 2022)

Phyllis June Cohen (nee Rackner) died peacefully July 22 from complications of covid, in Boca Raton FL. She was attended in her final days - and is survived by - her children Ross Cohen of Minneapolis, Tammi Cohen of Delray Beach, Syd Nazarenko of Benicia CA and Andrea Cohen-Kiener of Greenfield MA. Phyllis is also survived by a brother, David Rackner of Fort Lauderdale. She was "Grandma" or "Savta" to Elizabeth and Jessica Cohen, Madison Cohen, Amy and Adam Nazarenko and Sam, Sara, Isaac and Ariana Kiener and numerous beloved nieces and nephews, great grandchildren, admirers and friends. Phyllis was predeceased by her lifelong partner, Alan Robert Cohen. Phyllis is lovingly remembered as a loyal friend and an independent woman. She was born to Leah and Ben Rackner in Minneapolis MN, the 4th of 5 children to survive infancy. She married Alan Robert Cohen in 1953. Phyllis attended the University of Minnesota as an adult learner, earning a degree in early childhood education. Her time as a preschool educator was brief and she consistently donated well more than her salary back to the children in the classroom in the form of enrichment, supplies and books. Phyllis later took training in tax preparation and worked in that field for H&R Block, eventually training new hires. She continued to volunteer as a tax preparer for seniors, low-income folks and her family. Phyllis and Alan moved to Florida when Alan retired from the bar and restaurant business in 1987. In Florida, Phyllis worked at Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County. Phyllis formed profound friendships with Marlene Peritzman and Bernie Nachimson, Beverly Kahn and other colleagues and friends in Florida. There will be a graveside service for Phyllis Tuesday July 26 at 2pm at Minneapolis Jewish Cemetery, 7032 Penn Ave. S, Richfield. Hodroff-Epstein will handle funeral arrangements. Please join via zoom if you are unable to join us at the grave. Email zoom1@hodroffepstein.com for the link. Due to concerns about covid, no shiva gathering will be observed. Visiting hours will be held from 4-7PM at the home of Sam and Jill Kiener, 5566 Cortlawn Circle South in Golden Valley on Wednesday July 27. If desired, donations in her memory should be directed to an organization that is close to your heart. Phyllis's last words to family and friends was "Enjoy your life, do your bucket list, and be kind to each other."