Gladys Cohen

Gladys Martin Cohen passed away on November 15, 2017 at her home in Stamford. She was born January 27, 1927 at Stamford Hospital. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Morton Cohen, her parents Thelma and Nathan Martin and her brother Bruce Martin. She is survived by her children Barbara Cohen Aronica-Buck (Peter Buck) and Robert Cohen (Cathy), her brother Arthur Martin, her grandchildren Molly Aronica Ahuja (Arun), David Aronica, Caitlyn Cohen, Nathan Cohen, her step-grandchildren Jamie Buck-Tomek (Bryan Tomek) and Brent Buck (Paige), and her step-great grandchild Avery Tomek.

Born in Stamford, she graduated from Stamford High School and the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. She worked at Stamford Hospital as a bacteriologist before joining her family’s business, Frank Martin & Sons, a men’s clothing store on Main Street founded in 1896. At the time it closed in 1988, it was one of the longest-running retail stores in Stamford. During that time, she saved the business twice through recessions and the decline of men’s retail.

She served as the president of The Friends of the Ferguson Library and as a Trustee of The Ferguson Library. While there, she helped to start the used book store, which grew into a major funding source for the Library. For decades, she served on the Board of ARI of CT, which was co-founded by her family in 1952. She served on the Stamford Downtown Council, which was instrumental in the urban renewal programs of the 1980s, also served on the board of the United Way, and was a member of the DSSD.

Gladys (aka Gigs) was a passionate and accomplished golfer. She won many tournaments at Rockrimmon Country Club, where her parents were charter members. She helped start the Sterling Farms Women’s Golf Club and chaired many ladies’ tournaments there, as well as at the E. Gaynor Brennan Golf Course (Hubbard Heights).

Above all, Gladys was a limitless caregiver and a steadfast friend to anyone who knew her. She was a devoted mom/grandmother to many and staunch advocate for those in need.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial contribution to ARI of CT, The Ferguson Library, The Stamford Public Education Foundation.

The funeral will be held at Temple Beth El on Friday, November 17, at 10:30 am. Internment will be private.