Sally Becker Cohen Diamond

She is survived by her children, Bonnie Berk (Stephen Spear), Martin Cohen (Allison Shack), Bradley Cohen (Mary Louise Cohen), Lynne Cohen (Constantine Kitsopoulos), Ellen Jenkins (Andrew Jenkins), and Leigh Cohen (Gabrielle Cohen); and, by her grandchildren, Zachary Berk (Lauren Potter), Arianna Berk (John Bonner), Kayla Cohen, Hannah Cohen, Andrew Cohen, Matthew Cohen, Yahn Van de Walle (Missy Thrasher-Lyon), Antonia Kitsopoulos Graziano (Dan Graziano), Katherine Tillie Jenkins, Alison Cohen, Emilie Cohen, and Michael Cohen. She is survived by her sister, Geri Diamond (Howard Diamond) and was predeceased by her brother, William Burd. She is survived by her son-in-law Jon Berk and by her daughter-in-law Rose Cohen.

Sally was a strong, smart and interesting woman. Her strength and positive attitude helped her through the death of her beloved husband, Elliot Becker, in 1963; divorce from her husband Norman Cohen and the beginning of a new life in Florida in her 60s; the death of her husband Alvin Diamond in recent years. She moved back to NY to be closer to family.

Sally is remembered fondly by many who knew her, as happy, positive, kind, inspiring, loving, lively, warm and fun.

Her career and volunteer service include early work as an elementary school teacher, founder and owner of Echo Glen Nursery School in Totowa, NJ, President of the League of Women’s Voters on Long Island, NY, President of the School Board in Babylon, NY, and a late career teaching English as a Second Language at Florida Atlantic University.

Sally was an excellent tennis player. She played on club teams in NY and Florida, enjoying the game and winning consistently. When Billie Jean King challenged Bobby Riggs in 1973, Sally played in a club fundraiser, beating her male opponent to win the match.

She was passionate about teaching. Her ESL students, from countries throughout the world, were fond of her, and returned for advanced classes. She taught accent reduction to business leaders, and basic English to recent immigrants.

Sally accomplished many things in her life, but was most proud of her family. We will miss her.