Micheline Micky Cohen

Born in Paris, France, on August 6, 1928, Micheline’s life was a testament to courage, resilience, and deep devotion to family. During World War II, when Nazi forces invaded France, Micheline and her family fled Paris in 1940 and sought refuge in Limoges, where they lived in hiding for two years. In early 1942, as German forces advanced further, her father and uncle arranged for the family to relocate once again, this time to the south of France, settling in Saint-Léonard.

Despite the uncertainty of war, Micheline continued her education while her father found work at a China factory that also provided modest living quarters. In the spring of 1944, when Nazi troops arrived in Saint-Léonard, a local priest and member of the French Resistance, warned the Castros in time for them to hide in a barn behind their home. Though they could hear the soldiers marching nearby, they remained safely hidden.

Micheline was in school when she heard news of the Allied landings in June 1944, a moment that brought hope and the beginning of return. After the war, the family returned to Paris, slowly rebuilding their lives.

In 1951, Micheline met Sam Cohen in Paris. Sam, originally from Salonica, Greece, where Micheline’s family also had roots. Sam courted her for two weeks before setting off to the United States. They stayed connected through years of heartfelt letters, and in 1955, Micheline traveled to America, marrying Sam in Providence, Rhode Island. Shortly after, they moved to San Antonio, Texas, where they began their life together and raised three sons: Bernard, Philip, and Jerome.

Micheline was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She was known for her elegance, warmth, and extraordinary cooking, her home always filled with the aromas of French cuisine and the sounds of laughter and love. Alongside Sam, she spoke publicly about the Holocaust, sharing her story at the San Antonio Holocaust Memorial Museum, the USC Shoah Foundation, and other institutions, ensuring that history would not be forgotten.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Sam Cohen; her son, Bernard Cohen; and her brother, Roland Castro of Paris, France.

Micheline is survived by her sons Philip Cohen and Jerome Cohen (Tammy); her grandchildren Samantha Dikes (Travis), Brett Cohen (Erica), Josh Cohen (Alisha), Ryan Cohen (Randi), Noble Cohen, Ethan Cohen, Madison Cohen, and Emma Cohen; and her great-grandchildren Archer, Shai, Soleil, Theodore, and Remi.

Micheline lived a full and meaningful life. One shaped by hardship, lifted by love, and defined by enduring strength. Her stories, her spirit, and her unwavering devotion to family will continue to inspire all who knew her.

May her memory be a blessing.

We invite you to honor Micheline's legacy with a contribution in her honor, to the Holocaust Memorial Museum of San Antonio, helping to continue our family's dedication to Holocaust education and the fight against hate, bigotry, and antisemitism.

https://jfsatx.givingfuel.com/hmmsa-make-a-tribute-or-memorial-gift