Shirley Harriet Cohen

Shirley Cohen, age 100, and a long-time resident of St. Louis, passed away peacefully on Thursday morning, April 9, in Lincolnwood, Illinois, on her own terms, with her style, independence, and spirit intact. Shirley was known for her style, spirit, determination, and special relationships with many.

She was born on June 18, 1925, in Memphis TN, to Addie and A.B. Bindursky. She grew up in the small town of Lepanto, AR and later lived in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, New Orleans, Houston, and St. Louis, most recently residing in Lincolnwood, Illinois, to be near her children and grandchildren.

After receiving her undergraduate degree from LSU, Shirley went on to earn a Masters Degree in Social Work from Tulane University.

She moved to St. Louis to be with family and friends. Those connections introduced her to William Cohen who she married and started a family and homelife in St. Louis.

She worked as a career social worker at the Jewish Hospital of St. Louis for many years and found great joy in cooking, gardening, crossword puzzles, travel, classical and Broadway show music, following the St. Louis Cardinals Baseball, and the annual NCAA Basketball tournament. She especially treasured her dear friends and neighbors on Colonial Lane in St. Louis where she resided for 53 years.

She is survived by her daughter, Allison Cohen; her son, Neal Cohen (wife Meredith); her grandsons, Zack Cohen and Eli Cohen; beloved nieces and nephews; and dear family friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, William Cohen of St. Louis and her brother Bernard “Sonny” Bindursky of Alexandria, Louisiana.

Her family will remember her for her enduring sense of style, strong spirt, and for preparing magnificent Thanksgiving and family dinners.

A funeral service will be held on Sunday, April 19, at 10:00 AM (9:30 AM for visitation) at Berger Memorial, 9430 Olive Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63132. Graveside service to follow immediately after at Beth Hamedrosh Hagodol Cemetery, 9125 Ladue Rd, Ladue, MO 63124.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

Lift for Life Academy of St. Louis – Trauma Support Fund

Shaare Emeth Deeds of Kindness Fund

Lepanto Museum, 248 Greenwood Ave, Lepanto, AR 72354