Obituary of Erminie Joy Cohen

It is with profound sadness that the family of Erminie Joy Cohen announces her passing on Friday, February 15, 2019 at the Saint John Regional Hospital. Following a short illness, Erminie died as she lived with a feisty and committed all-or-nothing approach that marked her 92 years of life. Our mom didn’t waste time getting on with the project at hand. We loved and laughed with her even as she struggled with her diminishing strength. Erminie was the daughter of the late Mitchell and Clara (Goldfeather) Bernstein and lived her entire life in the city she loved and in which she contributed so much of her spirit, passion and indomitable energy. Mom worked all her life promoting her Jewish heritage, her city, her province and her country. She was a graduate of Saint John High School, attended Mount Allison University and was a life-long learner in the greatest sense of the word. Mom worked with our dad, Ed, at Hoffman’s on Main Street where they carried on business for more than 50 years. She was a dedicated life-long member of the Shaarei Zedek Synagogue, and always a hard-working contributor in organizations too numerous to list. The business of the Senate of Canada absorbed her entirely during her years as a Senator from New Brunswick. How proud she was to represent her province. Creating and growing the adoption program in New Brunswick was an accomplishment that provided mom with immense joy and untold pride. She was a life-long member of the PC Party of Canada and was proud to call herself a Red Tory. Mom had so many joyous moments with her family and we will cherish these forever. Erminie was predeceased by her parents, her brother Mort and her husband of 58 years, Edgar Cohen. She is survived by her children, Cathy (Bill), Lee, and Shelley (Barry), grandson Micah (Trish), several loved nieces and nephews and a legion of friends and admirers. Funeral services will be held at Brenan's Bay View Funeral Home Chapel, 1461 Manawagonish Road, West Saint John (634-7425) at 1:00 pm on Monday, February 18, 2019 followed by interment at Shaarei Zedek Cemetery (Fernhill Cemetery). In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to The Saint John Jewish Historical Museum, The Erminie Joy Cohen Legacy Fund for Adoption or a charity of the donor’s choice.