Lynda Joy Cohen

On January 14, 2026, Lynda Joy Cohen, our wonderful and devoted cousin, and the dear friend to the many who were fortunate enough to experience her boundless energy, intelligence, generosity and kindness, passed away while en route to a jamming session, with autoharp and a cheesecake in hand, in Glendale, Arizona.

Lynda, who had attended the renowned Chicago-based Goodman School of Drama, was an exceptional vocalist and autoharp performer as well as a tireless advocate for the entire autoharp community. She was, among her many musical accomplishments, a major presence at the annual Mountain Laurel Autoharp Gathering, as well as the founder and promoter of the Lynda Cohen Performing Arts Series in Breton Woods, New Hamshire. Lynda was also an indefatigable hiker and world traveler. Although faced with the tragic and devastating loss, just a few short months ago, of husband Bob Grappel, the love of her life and soul mate for more than forty years, she courageously moved forward with the preparation for a hiking trip, planned for this coming summer, to Mt. Kilimanjaro. Lynda was utterly devoted to her family and leaves behind a legion of cousins and friends who will cherish the memory of this extraordinary person.

Funeral Services will be held at the Congregation Beth Elohim, 133 Prospect Street, Acton, on Monday, February 2, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., followed by the burial at the Beit Olam East Cemetery, 42 Concord Road, Wayland. In lieu of flowers, remembrances can be made to Congregation Beth Elohim at www.bethelohim.org/payment.php