Nancy Cohen

Lifetime Staten Islander Nancy Cohen, 89, celebrated for her candor and kindness, died at Staten Island University Hospital on November 6. She is survived by her husband of 68 years, Joel, and their children Ann, Harvey (Paula Bird), Alan (Barry Rosenthal), Ivan (Alison Rogers), and grandson Adam. The youngest of Mary and Harry Surpin's seven children, Nancy was born in her family's Port Richmond home. A graduate of Port Richmond High School, she worked as a comparison shopper for Macy's, co-founded the nursery school at the Staten Island Jewish Community Center, and served as president of the JCC Women's Division. She also co-founded Repeat Performance, a children's resale shop on Castleton Avenue. A West Brighton resident for 40 years, Nancy and her husband moved to Bay Terrace 15 years ago, where she made many new friends. She is remembered fondly by her family and friends, who always felt welcome in her home. A member of Congregation B'nai Israel, she was active in the Staten Island Giving Circle. Donations in her memory may be sent to the Giving Circle, B'nai Israel, or the Wagner College Holocaust Center.