Rosalie Cohen

When guests sat at Rosalie Cohen’s Shabbat or holiday table, they found more than a meal. They found a place to rest, to talk, to feel cared for. She had a way of making everyone feel as though they were meant to be there. Whether it was a longtime friend, a neighbor stepping in at the last minute, or one of her many grandchildren bringing home someone new, Rosalie welcomed them with warmth, humor, and the certainty that there was always room for “just one more.” “She made you feel seen,” her family said. “She had a gift for making every person feel special, loved and looked after.” 

Rosalie Cohen (née Greenberg), whose life was rooted in family, tradition, and a quiet yet unwavering strength, passed away peacefully at home on November 1, 2025. She was the beloved wife of Gary Cohen for 70 years. 

Rosalie was the devoted mother of Cheryl Liedman, Joel Cohen and the late Anna Keller, and mother-in-law of Fred Liedman, Joaquin Rivera, and Mark Keller. She is survived by 7 grandchildren. Sara Kauffman (Ben), Scott Keller (Andrea), Danielle Osei (Neil), Robyn Winegarner (Lukas), Rycki Joy Freedman (Mike), Will Stein, and Elliot Stein, and by 10 great-grandchildren. Her dedication and commitment to the family was second to none. Rosalie, was fondly known as Bubbie to all the neighbors, family, friends, and friends of friends. Rosalie led the Cohen “tribe” as its matriarch – hosting and celebrating hundreds of Jewish holidays, birthdays, and various other simchas. Her iconic Sukkoth dinner invitations were highly sought after. Holiday cooking became storytelling, where laughter filled the kitchen, and where generations learned the meaning of belonging by watching her lead with love. 

Rosalie was born in 1936, daughter of Edith and Harry Rosenberg. Rosalie learned early the importance of family connection and Jewish identity. These values shaped every chapter of her life. She created a home where traditions were not only preserved, but lived. She grew up in West Philadelphia and proudly graduated Girls High School and Drexel University. Rosalie lovingly taught Home Economics and life skills at Ada Lewis and Kinsey Elementary Schools, and touched the hearts of many students and their families. Since 1967, Rosalie and Gary have been active members of the Congregations of Shaare Shamayim. Rosalie was a board member, chair of the mitzvah committee, and the volunteer librarian for over 20 years, reading to the students of the Hebrew and nursery schools each week. Because of her steadfast commitment to the Jewish community and connection with every student, she distributed the synagogue’s gifts to the Bar and Bat Mitzvah honorees.

Rosalie was an expert seamstress and quilter. She lovingly created from scratch clothing, table runners, napkins, placemats, and quilts. While most people downsize after retirement, Rosalie (and Gary) upsized, turning their new home into an informal bed and breakfast (for the family and the Jewish community at large), family clubhouse, and the focal point of all family, neighborhood and community celebrations. In addition, after retirement, Rosalie (and Gary) traveled extensively, visiting all 50 states, South America, Asia and Europe. Even in her later years, when travel became difficult, she stayed connected to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren through phone calls, photos, and video celebrations. Every birthday, every milestone, every small accomplishment mattered to her. Her joy was in watching her family live, grow, and carry forward the values she held close: kindness, loyalty, and care for one another.

 “She led with her heart,” her family said. “And she taught us to do the same.” Her loved ones say that Rosalie’s legacy lives in the way her family gathers: with love, with laughter, with plenty of seats at the table — and with the knowledge that the most important thing we can do is show up for one another

She will be missed for her kind heart amazing hugs, and generosity.