Myrna Debra Cohen

Born in Boston to the late Henry and Beatrice Ward, Myrna was raised in Dorchester and carried her deep Boston roots with pride throughout her life. A graduate of Roxbury Memorial High School, she earned her bachelor’s degree from Boston University and her master’s degree from Lesley College, beginning a lifelong devotion to education.

Myrna devoted her career to teaching special education in the Newton Public Schools, where she was known for her patience, warmth, and unwavering dedication to her students. She also worked at Wheelock College supervising student teachers, mentoring the next generation of educators. Beyond the classroom, she tutored many children after school, helping them build confidence and learn to read—work that reflected both her professional skill and her generous spirit. As a parent, she was active in the Parent Teacher Association and, as a teacher, in the teachers’ union.

Civic engagement was another meaningful part of Myrna’s life. A committed Democrat, she took her responsibilities as a citizen seriously, participating in local political efforts and working at the polls during elections. She cared deeply about fairness, equal opportunity, and the importance of democratic institutions.

A longtime member of Temple Mishkan Tefila, Myrna broke new ground as the first woman to serve as the temple’s vice president, a milestone she achieved with characteristic quiet strength.

Above all, Myrna was devoted to her family. She is survived by her beloved husband of 66 years, Robert Cohen; her sister, Vivienne Edbril; her daughter, Heidi Cohen Black and partner Nick Parnell; her daughter, Randi-Charlene Cohen and partner Aladdin Ossorio; her son, Andrew Cohen and spouse Nicola Goren; her grandchildren, Daniel Black and spouse Katelyn Walter Black, Stephanie Black and her spouse Hannah Ruth Wellons, Jacob Cohen, and Jared Cohen; and her great-granddaughter, Isla Black. Her grandchildren were a constant source of pride and joy. She gave them her time and full attention, followed their accomplishments closely, and never hesitated to tell anyone who would listen about their achievements and the people they were becoming.

For nearly fifteen years, Myrna also shared a special bond with the family’s beloved dog, Teddie, a gentle and whip-smart mixed-breed adopted from the Buddy Dog Humane Society in Sudbury. They delighted in one another’s company.

Throughout her life, Myrna gave fully of herself — to her family, to her students, and to her community. She offered her time, her steady encouragement, and her unwavering belief in others. The care she showed and the standards she set will continue to shape the lives of those who knew and loved her.

Funeral services were held at Stanetsky Memorial Chapel in Brookline, with interment at Temple Mishkan Tefila Memorial Park in West Roxbury.

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