Martha Ray Cohen

Martha Ray Gandy Cohen passed away Thursday night 11/20/2014, at her home with her daughters by her side. Wife, Mother, Grandmother (Newnanny), Great Grandmother, Aunt and friend – all of these describe the sweet Martha Ray Cohen.

Martha Ray Gandy Cohen was born February 16, 1918 to Judge Alston Clifford (A. C.) and Winifred Pearl (Ray) Gandy in Robstown, Texas where she was raised on a farm, the 2nd oldest of four children. She graduated from Robstown High School and attended Texas A & I University in Kingsville, Texas where her senior year she was named Lantana Queen of the college. She was known throughout the campus for her love of dancing, sweet personality, warm smile and the capability to befriend anyone she met.

Upon graduating in 1939, she came to Victoria to pursue a teaching career where she taught English in the mornings at Patti Welder Junior High and Homemaking in the afternoon at Patti Welder High School. She met and married the love of her life, Leslie Laurie Cohen on November 17, 1940 and they enjoyed 49 years of marriage. They had two daughters, Winifred Sue (Cohen) Kornfuhrer and Laurie Rae Cohen. Les and Martha Ray raised their daughters at the Cohen homestead that was built in 1906.

After taking time off to raise her family, Martha Ray returned to the career she was born to, teaching, and taught at Presbyterian Day school (pre-school, 1st, 2nd and 3rd grades) for over 15 years. In 1966 she became principal at the Day School until her retirement in 1977.

Martha Ray was very active in the community, a 50 year member of Delta Kappa Gamma, the Currier Bell Study Club, Past Presidents Club, Meals on Wheels, the Lunch Bunch Group of lovely, lively ladies and a member of the 1st Presbyterian Church. She looked forward to her monthly supper night out with family “Cohen Night” where everything was discussed and ironed out amongst “Cohen’s”. Her love of animals was immense and her cat Katie will miss her too.

Martha Ray was predeceased by her husband, Leslie Cohen; son-in-law, Kenneth Ray Kornfuhrer and is survived by her two daughters, two granddaughters, Dawn Kornfuhrer Buchanan and husband, John, Kelly Kornfuhrer Willoughby and husband, Kurt; five great grandchildren, Haley Petrillose and husband, Tony, Matthew Willoughby, West Buchanan, Jackson Willoughby, Luke Buchanan, two nieces and two nephews.

Visitation will be held Tuesday 11/25/14 from 6:00 to 7:00 pm at Rosewood Funeral Chapels. Private graveside services will be held followed by public services at First Presbyterian Church at 11 AM on Wednesday 11/ 26/2014 with Rev. Kathryn Morton officiating.

Pallbearers will Kurt Willoughby, John Buchanan, Matthew Willoughby, Jackson Willoughby, West Buchanan and Luke Buchanan. Honorary pallbearers will be her beloved nephews, Allie Joe Cohen and Jay Cohen.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the 1st Presbyterian Church, the Presbyterian Day School, the Devereux Foundation or Adopt-A-Pet or the charity of your choice.

She was dearly loved and will be missed forever.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.rosewoodfuneralchapel.com.