Cecelia B. Cohens

Cecelia B. Cohens, affectionately known as "Ceil," was born on January 8, 1943, in Darlington, South Carolina. She was the beloved daughter of Coker and Annie O. Antrum Bacote, who preceded her in death. Our dearly beloved Ceil departed this life on January 20, 2026, at 8:58 a.m., at the age of 83.

Cecelia's life was anchored in her deep and unwavering devotion to her family. Being a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother was her greatest joy and proudest role. Her love was constant, nurturing, and all-encompassing-she made each of her children feel treasured, supported, and deeply valued, and she carried that same boundless love into every generation of her family. Her grandchildren were truly her world, and she poured into them the same guidance, laughter, protection, and unconditional love that defined her as a mother.

She was preceded in death by her beloved children, Linda Cohens and Odell (Valeria) Cohens, Jr., and by her cherished grandson, Brendan Cohens, all of whom forever remained close to her heart.

Cecelia leaves behind a loving legacy through her surviving children: Deborah Bacote, Lynn Cohens, and Michael Cohens; her grandsons, Christopher and Chandler Taylor, Michael, Kristian, Kahdeem, and Kahlil Cohens; her granddaughters, Amber Cohens, Cytara Hough, Asha Hough-Hall, and Colby Hough-Hall; and her great-grandchildren, Brandy Cohens, Kaia Cohens, Zahkahri Taylor, and Mylan Stevens, each of whom was a source of immense pride and joy to her.

She is also survived by her former husband, Odell Cohens Sr., who remained a dear friend and supportive presence in her life over the years. Cecelia is further survived by her loving siblings: sister Constance (Robert) McCain; brothers, Charles (Helen) Bacote and Carl (Josephine) Bacote; and sister Claudette Toney. She was preceded in death by her brothers Clarin Bacote and Edward Harris, and by her sisters Clarice Bacote and Carolyn Bacote.

Affectionately known as the "neighborhood mom," Cecelia opened her heart and her home to everyone. The entire area was always welcome at what many lovingly called the "Kool-Aid House," a place filled with warmth, laughter, guidance, and unconditional care. She had a remarkable gift for making people feel seen, safe, and loved. Cecelia dedicated over four decades of faithful service as an educator with New Haven Public Schools. To generations of students, she was more than a teacher--she was a mentor, protector, and source of encouragement. Long after leaving her classroom, her students continued to adore and remember her fondly as "Ms. C" or "Ms. Cohens," a reflection of the lasting impact she made on countless lives.

Whether in her home, her classroom, or her community, Cecelia B. Cohens lived a life of service, love, and purpose. Her legacy lives on through the family she cherished, the students she shaped, and the community she nurtured. She will be deeply missed, forever remembered, and always loved.