Judith Myra Cohen

Judith Myra (Svirsky) Cohen, a resident of Bard Road in Bennington, Vermont, formerly of Kingston, NY, passed away surrounded by her family on February 12, 2024. Judy was born in Kingston, NY, on August 13, 1938. She was the daughter of the late Julius and Minnie (Friedman) Svirsky. Growing up, Judy was a resident of Kingston and Ulster Park, NY, where the family owned the Esopus Lake Hotel. It was there that she met her future husband, Mort Cohen, a dental student who came up to the hotel from NYC to work as a busboy for the summer. Judy and Mort married on June 9, 1957. From August 1957 – September 1959 she and Mort lived in Germany while Mort served in the United States Army as a chief dental officer. It was at that time that they became avid travelers, loving the excitement of adventuring to many countries and meeting people from around the world. After returning from Germany in 1959, Mort and Judy settled in Kingston and made their home there, raising three children - Mitchell, Jon, and Wendy. Her family meant the world to her. In the early years of their marriage, Judy was a homemaker and assisted Mort in his dental practice. She later went back to school to earn her BA from Marist College and her MSW from Fordham University. Judy was employed as a clinical social worker for the Astor Home for Children in Rhinebeck, NY. She also worked at the Mill Road Elementary School in Red Hook, NY, counseling children who experienced academic or emotional challenges. Judy and Mort moved to Bennington, VT, in 2010. They found the transition seamless, and very quickly felt surrounded by a welcoming community. They loved being closer to family and the serenity and beauty of the area. Judy valued time in the outdoors and, up until a few years ago, maintained a regimen of daily 4-mile walks in North Bennington. Judy’s passions in life revolved around her friendships and her family. She loved cooking and baking, always making sure that there was plenty for everyone. Her baked goods were legendary. Her children and grandchildren benefited from years of care packages filled with pecan tassies, butter cookies, lemon bars, and cheese squares. Judy often traveled to visit family and friends with her large, red cooler, full of 3-course meals. She was an avid tennis and Mahjong player, and through these activities created and maintained lifelong friendships. Judy was competitive and didn’t flinch at beating her own grandchildren in scrabble and cards. She was a shopper and prided herself in finding the best bargains. We envision her browsing the racks in a 24-hour Marshalls. Judy was preceded in death by her husband, Mort. She is survived by her children, Mitchell Cohen and his wife Maria of Carlsbad, CA, Jon Cohen and his wife Laurie of Bennington, VT, and Wendy Cohen of North Fayston, VT, and her partner Jon Lev of Bennington, VT; her four beloved granddaughters Samantha Baggett and her husband Perry, Alexandra Woods and her husband Arthur, Abby Cohen, and Molly Cohen; her two great grandchildren Riley Baggett and Stella Baggett; her sister-in-law Linda Svirsky; and her niece, Michele Svirsky. The family appreciates the outpouring of support that they’ve received. They would also like to recognize and express gratitude for the care that Judy received from medical, nursing, and patient care at the Center for Living and Rehabilitation in Bennington, and the Bayada Hospice Team. A celebration of life will be planned at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to the Astor Services for Children and Families,(https://www.astorservices.org/donate/general-donation/). Judy would also love if you reached out to an old friend, took a walk to enjoy your surroundings, or baked a batch of cookies to share with others.