Dalia Cohen

1943 - 2021

COHEN, Dalia, of Richmond, courageously battled Parkinson's disease for more than 14 years. She finally found peace, leaving those who cherished her the most on Thursday, July 22, 2021. Her dedicated husband of 37 years, Gary cared for her tirelessly until the very end. The patience, endless love and devotion he showed her was truly inspirational. Dalia was determined to enjoy life and all those who loved her as long as she could. To say she was optimistic is an understatement. Dalia epitomized the word in every sense. She was hopeful, cheery, positive and always had a bright outlook on life. Her glass was perpetually half-full. She was always full of zest and lived her life to the fullest. She had an extraordinary outlook on life, one that most others would struggle to find faced with her health issues. Dalia was born in Israel and raised by her parents, Moshe and Zehava Shissel. After serving in the Israeli Army, she earned her degree in psychology from Bar Ilan University. Dalia then had the bravery to venture across the globe so that she could earn her master's degree in psychology from SUNY Buffalo. Dalia loved helping people and was born to be a psychotherapist. After working at Jewish Family Services for a few years, she left to start what became a successful private practice. She was an esteemed member of the mental health community for more than 40 years. She never grew tired of her work and always loved helping people. She felt privileged that clients chose to share their lives with her. Her training as an Imago relationship therapist helped couples transform their struggles into opportunity. Dalia was a life member of Hadassah and for many years facilitated the Training Wheels Program, a hands-on workshop for children to learn about Judaism. Dalia had a lifelong love affair with blue cheese dressing, took fashion cues from no one, hated following the rules, loved playing games and staying up late. Her beautiful smile was contagious and her love of people made her extremely well-liked. Her close friends were important to her and ultimately became part of her family. Life as she knew it revolved around both family and friends. Her love of Judaism and its traditions defined her and brought everyone together. Forever young at heart and full of life, Dalia is survived by her beloved and dedicated husband, Gary; daughters, Galit Binns (Chris) of Interlaken, New Jersey and Elana Ferguson (Mike) of Richmond, Virginia; granddaughter, Talia Binns of Boston, Massachusetts; grandsons, Ari Binns of Interlaken, New Jersey and Micah Ferguson of Richmond, Virginia. She is also survived by her sister, Penina Fire of Netanya, Israel; and several other cousins, nieces and nephews. A graveside funeral will be held at 11 a.m. on Sunday, July 25 at Greenwood Memorial Gardens, 12609 Patterson Avenue, Richmond, Virginia 23238. Contributions in Dalia's memory can be made to The American Parkinson Disease Foundation, apdaparkinson.org, or Hadassah, Hadassah.org.