Sarah Cohen Deyong

Sarah Cohen Deyong, age 95, affectionately known as "Bubbe" (Yiddish for grandmother) died on March 24, 2022. Sarah was born in Newport News, Virginia on July 24, 1926, to Hyman and Rose Cohen. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Moss Deyong, her son, Jeffery Alan Deyong, grandson Adam Isaac Deyong, her parents, two sisters, and two brothers.

Sarah graduated from Newport News High School in 1943 and went on to work as a secretary at Camp Patrick Henry during World War II. She met the love of her life, Moss, a recent immigrant from England, and they were married on October 23, 1943. She accompanied her military husband to Camp Stoneman in California. At the conclusion of the war, they returned to Newport News.

In the spring of 1953, Sarah and Moss founded Deyong's Shoe & Leather Repair. They ran the store side by side until they retired, selling the store to their son Jeffrey. In retirement, they traveled extensively to England, Israel and annual trips to Florida in addition to going to the gym several times a week. She also focused on bettering herself and her community, especially Adath Jeshurun Synagogue where she volunteered to work bingo, was active in the sisterhood, and served many years on the Board of Governors. She also taught Hebrew at the Jewish Community Center and was a member of Hadassah and National Council of Jewish Women.

After the death of her beloved Mossie, she embarked on a new life of education and creativity. She was a member of the Life Long Learning Society where she took classes in painting, poetry, language, and history.

Most impressive, in her late 70's she became proficient on her Mac computer and used it daily, especially to communicate with friends and family.

Sarah is survived by her daughter Leslie Frank (Judge Robert P. Frank) and her daughter Rae Deyong, both of Newport News. She is also survived by her seven grandchildren, Mandy Greenspon, Stephanie Spangler, Hillary Frank, William Frank (Ellen), Samantha Chou (James), Jeremy Frank (Federica Pagani), and Marissa Deyong. She is also survived by 10 great-grandchildren Lauren, Jordan, and Quinn Greenspon, Dylan and Paxton Chou, Anna and Jonah Deyong, Charles and Maxwell Frank, and Vivienne Pagani-Frank.

In addition, she is also survived by her daughter-in-law Barbara Deyong.

Sarah was a remarkable, talented, business-savvy woman with a deep love for her religion, her family, and her community. She set an example for us to never stop learning, never stop serving, and never slow down.

A graveside service will be held at the Jewish Cemetery of the Virginia Peninsula in Hampton on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Adath Jeshurun Synagogue, 401 City Center Blvd, Newport News, VA, or your favorite charity.

Arrangements are under the care of Peninsula Funeral Home, 11144 Warwick Blvd., Newport News, VA 23601.