Myrna Debra Cohen

COHEN, Myrna Debra (Ward) of Newton, Massachusetts, age 89, passed away on February 13, 2026. Born in Boston, she was the daughter of the late Henry and Beatrice Ward and was raised in Dorchester. A graduate of Roxbury Memorial High School, she earned her bachelor’s degree from Boston University and her master’s degree from Lesley College.

Mrs. Cohen devoted her career to teaching special education in the Newton Public Schools, where she was known for her patience, warmth, and dedication to her students. As a parent, she was active in the Parent Teacher Association and as a teacher, in the teachers’ union. A longtime member of Temple Mishkan Tefila, she broke new ground as the first woman to serve as the temple’s vice president.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 66 years, Robert Cohen; her daughters, Heidi Cohen Black and Randi-Charlene Cohen; her son, Andrew Cohen; her grandchildren, Daniel Black, Stephanie Black, Jacob Cohen, and Jared Cohen; and her great-granddaughter, Isla Black.

Funeral services will be held at Stanetsky Memorial Chapel, 1668 Beacon Street, Brookline, Massachusetts, on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at 10 AM. Interment to follow at Temple Mishkan Tefila Memorial Park, 2605 Centre Street, West Roxbury, Massachusetts.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Home for Little Wanderers at www.thehome.org.