Faye E. Cohen

Faye Etkind Cohen, age 91 of West Hartford, CT, passed away peacefully on August 5, 2023. Her husband, Al Cohen, predeceased her in 1995. Together the couple travelled far and wide, raised two strong, independent and loving daughters and supported each other in accomplishing their dreams. Faye was a staunch member of the community, and will be missed by many. She was a pioneer in seeking an education, and a career for herself at a time when other women were not doing so. Faye had three degrees from the University of Connecticut, a Bachelor of Science, and Masters of Arts and a Sixth Year Degree, all in the fields of education.

During her college years, Faye pursued a degree to teach business education. However, when she graduated, she was unable to get a position in that career as a woman. She then became certified in elementary education and worked for the New Britain Public Schools as an elementary school teacher in many different locations. Later in life, she was able to get into her chosen vocation and became an Assistant Professor of Education at Central Connecticut State University, where she taught for many years.

Faye was a long-time member of Beth El Synagogue and she belonged to a variety of Jewish organizations. After her retirement, Faye participated as an usher at the Bushnell, a docent at the Wadsworth Atheneum and as a volunteer assisting students with reading in the Bloomfield Public Schools.

Faye is survived by her daughters, Debra Cohen Grainsky of West Hartford and Sharon Cohen of Concord, Massachusetts, a granddaughter Alana Beth Grainsky and her wife Cetta Puleo. She also is survived by her great-grandson, Nicholas Xavier Rodriguez, whom she loved dearly. In addition to her husband, Faye is predeceased by her granddaughter, Jamie Michelle Grainsky. Additional survivors include nieces and nephews who visited her frequently. While there are many ways in which those who knew and loved Faye will remember her, perhaps it was small acts of love like mailing homemade brownies across the country to everyone that will stick with us most.

Donations in her memory can be made to the Alzheimer's Association or to Beth El Synagogue.