Joan Cohen

Joan Cohen, 90, of Boynton Beach, Florida passed away on April 14, 2026. Mother of, Lori Mandelzweig, Butsie Weinstein, and Marci Marczyk; Mother-in-law to Leon Mandelzweig, Jay Weinstein, and Chris Marczyk; Grandmother of Amitai, Akiva and Tehilah Mandelzweig: Micky and Etan Weinstein; Alexandria Watson, Jackson and Carter Marczyk; Great-grandmother of Ella and Eitam Mandelzweig; Shiloh and Zelig Weinstein.

Joan was born and raised in Philadelphia. She holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Temple University where she did post-graduate work.

In 1956 Joan married Stanley Cohen. Joan, as an educator, worked with gifted children. Her favorite activity was leading teams in Olympics of the Mind, now known as Odyssey of the Mind. Her teams reached regional championships, state championships, and one team went to the world championships.

Among the founders of Greater Northeast Jewish Congregation, later known as the Congregations of Shaare Shamayim, Joan served through the years in many positions until she was elected the first female president of Shaare Shamayim, a traditional synagogue.

Full time Floridians for years, Joan organized several events for Temple Anshei Shalom in Florida including a synagogue trip to Israel. Joan was a visible attendee at most synagogue events. As the first female president of her synagogue in Florida, she took great pride in the many accomplishments which were made during her tenure as president. Top among these was the idea the Temple is a family and that the friendly Temple really is just that, a friendly Temple.

Attending lectures, concerts and theater, reading, entertaining and attending activities at her home were some of Joan’s favorite activities. She will be greatly missed by her family and community.

Relatives and friends are invited to funeral services on Friday, April 17, 2026 12:00PM at Shalom Memorial Park. Shiva will be observed at 302 Bala Ave Bala Cynwyd, PA Contributions in her memory may be made to the Jewish National Fund.