Barbara Jane Cohen

Barbara Jane Cohen, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend passed away peacefully on August 17, at the age of 91. Born on March 13, 1934, Barbara was the daughter of the late Ralph and Rose Rothman. She grew up in Springfield, and went on to earn her bachelors degree in Fine Arts from the Vesper George School of Art at Boston University. She proudly enjoyed a nearly 70-year career as a talented artist, and an accomplished painter in oils specializing in portraiture. She received additional training at the George Walter Vincent Museum locally under the supervision of Charles Hayward and other fine artists. She was known for her discerning eye, lifelike portraits, and masterful use of color. She specialized in art consultation, picture framing, teaching, entered and exhibited at juried shows and galleries throughout the U. S., and participated in many local and regional exhibits. She met Gerald S. Cohen and they were married on May 29, 1956. They lived in Springfield, then moved to Longmeadow in 1976, and then to Agawam in 1987. She was a wonderful and loyal partner in marriage, a warm devoted mother to three children and adoring grandmother to eight. Her husband passed away in 2012 after 56 years of marriage. She is survived by her sons, Eric of West Hartford, Jonathan (Connie) of Royersford PA, and Jamie (Monique) of Austin TX, and her treasured grandchildren Matthew, Laura, Suzanne, Jacob, Samantha, Shay, Madeleine, and Sophia. She leaves her sister Shirley of Delray Beach, FL, sister Hedy of Chestnut Hill, MA, and brother Michael of Albuquerque, NM. She was blessed with many loyal and rewarding friendships over the years and stayed busy with travel, the symphony, museums, and dining. Her legacy, besides her family, is her large body of work, which is in numerous galleries and private homes throughout the U.S. The family would like to express their great appreciation for her care to the staff of Agawam East Rehabilitation Center during her recent illness. Her funeral and burial will be on Friday, August 22, 10 AM, at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 1390 Main St. in Agawam. A luncheon and gathering for families and friends will follow, to celebrate Barbara 's long life, and will be held at her residence, the Castle Hills Condominiums, 14 Castle Hills Rd., Unit # 16E, Agawam. Donations in Barbara 's memory can be made to the Agawam Senior Center in Agawam and are appreciated.