ForeverMissed
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Tributes
December 20, 2023
December 20, 2023
I've been seeking words to express my missing Mom, especially the past few days, 4 years since her passing. In parallel, I've been baffled by how I find the strength to persevere, as I wake daily to more and more dismal news in Israel.
I think I got it.
Mom always said, "Do the best you can." Her message was ingrained in me, and I am now realizing how much it is a comfort and an anchor.
Thank you Mom
March 17, 2022
March 17, 2022
Remembering and missing Ann once again on her birthday. She liked to celebrate with lots of St. Patrick's paraphernalia so as to not pay too much attention to her. She was an incredible source of light in this sometimes dark world. Sending Love.
March 17, 2021
March 17, 2021
Remembering Ann on her birthday. St. Patrick's day will always be her day. I remember one year when she brought a million St Pattie's day hats and other green things to celebrate. Anything to put the attention onto something other than herself. Her family misses her, especially her grandchildren, her "dividends."
December 17, 2020
December 17, 2020
Ann was a dandelion spreading seeds of love, compassion and active service. I am a better person for knowing her and for trying each day to honor her memory.

I know that from above Ann and RBG are beaming. Two women who did so much to shatter glass ceilings and sadly aren't here to witness all of the shattering being done by the Bidden-Harris administration.

Ann I miss you still.
December 17, 2020
December 17, 2020
Today, I've been thinking of late afternoon 12/17/19 and the pain in mom's eyes before we hugged for the last time. It was not pain of her physical condition or of dying, but because she wasn't able to do for others and there was so much more she needed to do.

Mom wouldn't have wanted us to do the memorial service/celebration...too bad. Mom wouldn't have wanted us to grieve, but to live our lives through others. I know she loved me and my brother and sisters and all her family and friends and every child she taught and Maya; but loved her grand and great grand kids the most.

Mom was THE toughest, most caring, smartest, hardest working, selfless and most dependable person, EVER. She was never obligated, she did because she had and wanted to. No one ever had to ask her... It was always about those who needed it most.

Whether sharing with her family, getting into our business or her work with Bridgewell (10 years Board), SPLC (50 year member), M'head Democrats, LWV of M'head; I'm thinking of what mom would be doing today if she could.

Guessing she'd be Zooming with family from her hotel room in GA (we'd chat a little about sports & much about politics). Then she'd be knocking on every door until there were none left.

Love you mom...

January 13, 2020
January 13, 2020
January 12, 2020

Dear Jeff, Richard and family,
I knew Ann in 3 contexts:
First, she tutored my daughter in 8th grade. It went like this: we were ‘tearing our hair out” over our daughter’s total disregard for math, and Ann would come over for an hour, get some concepts across despite our daughter’s distracting behavior, laugh with her, and reassure us that she would pass math! Which she did! Ann was warm, kind, and understanding of the dynamics of trying to intervene with a 13 yr old who had NO interest in math.
Second, I began attending MDTC in desperation after Trump got elected, and Ann always welcomed newcomers, made sure I signed in, made me feel at home. Then as I got more involved, I saw how she was so instrumental in the scholarship choices, which she took very seriously, and even petitioned to have 2 scholarships given each year because the young democrats at the High School were so special and deserving. Also, as I began to ask to include different issues in the program, she and Renee were always very open to adding 5-10 minutes of announcements regarding issues related to the environment, and she encouraged me to run to be a delegate to the state convention in 2017, also to run to be a member of MDTC in spring 2018. She was really open to someone like me, (who had just appeared on the scene in Feb of 2017) to participate more and more fully, it really helped overcome any feeling of there being an “old guard” at MDTC.
Third, I noticed someone who looked a lot like her when I started taking a stretch class at the YMCA in early 2017, then realized it was her, then got up my courage to say hello and that I knew her from MDTC. After that, we would talk regularly, and she shared with me that she had had a spinal fusion and still found stretch very helpful, as I was very apprehensive that I would hurt myself, and didn’t find the class easy at all! She and I talked by phone when she was in the hospital after breaking her kneecap, and I was so impressed at how philosophical she was, that she was not angry at the YMCA or whoever left the mat buckled, and how fully convinced she was that she would get better, and that for now, going to Richard’s to recuperate was the best thing. She said how Richard and his family took great care of her, had a beautiful 1 floor home, and how restful the scenery of the Berkshires was for her.
Another time after stretch class, she shared with me how distressed she was about her macular degeneration, how she was trying to read the computer to call people for one of Jeff’s races, and how hard it was to read, and how frustrated she was by this. Again she was philosophical as well as frustrated, and making the best of it. At least one time, I drove her to an event so she could avoid driving at night.
So in summary, I feel that she was an amazing role model for kindness, warmth, inclusivity, persistence in the face of physical difficulties, and dedication to getting the political system to work. When I feel demoralized, I think of her, and know that she would still be working for political change no matter how discouraging a turn events might take.
She clearly lived at full tilt until her stroke, and not only “had a good life”, but lived a “good life”, an AMAZINGLY good life, generous, helping others, loving and caring for her family. I admire her so much, and will try in my remaining years to follow in her footsteps, including having joy and fun as well as incredible dedication to causes. I hope that at my passing, people will feel a little bit of the tremendous admiration that people do and did for your mother. She is truly an inspiration.

Sincerely,

Eileen Mathieu
Marblehead
January 10, 2020
January 10, 2020
I met Ann when we were looking to move in next door and was won over by her immediately. So she was our neighbor, she was our friend, a family member- to our two boys she was Auntie Ann. She would brighten your day every time you talked to her. She was full of love, and wisdom, and caring, and boundless energy. At a loss for words but to say we loved her and we miss her so much.
January 9, 2020
January 9, 2020
I only knew Ann through the reflected light shed by her son Jeff Cohen. Jeff is always learning, growing, helping, sharing, leading with compassion and wise ways. Any lady who could have raised such a son is entitled to bask in eternal sunshine. We look forward to learning more about her wisdom and passions this Saturday. I can only hope to learn from the example of a such a life well lived and well loved. Well done.... Brava!
January 9, 2020
January 9, 2020
I met Ann at the Marblehead YMCA after I retired from the Salem Country Club 7 years ago. Ann and I clicked right away for some reason. She had the same personality as my own mom did.
There were five or six of us that became really close. She was our inspiration . Ann took 11 classes a week (yes 11 a week) She took three or 4 class on some days. How could I not go to the gym if Ann who was older than me took 11 classes a week. She had an operation on her back. I went to visit her and she wanted to know how my family was doing!!! I figured this is it. Not with Ann !!! She was back in about 3 months. She didn't take 11 classes but she was back to the gym.

Ann would talk about her grandson in the Berkshires a lot. She loved her sons and daughters. She talked about them a lot . She was so excited to go visit her great grandchild in Israel but was not able to make it.

We all have baggage some heavier than otheres. Ann's way was talk about it for a minute do we you can then go on with your life. I learned this from her !!! What a great lesson.
I feel priveledge to have Ann in my life . It may have been only 7 years but I learned so much from her.
I will cherish our memories Ann. I love you ....
Rest In Peace my dear friend.....
January 8, 2020
January 8, 2020
I know she was a great force in this world and in all lives that she touched. I am so sorry for your loss. Much love to you all. Aimee
January 2, 2020
January 2, 2020
Leavings
A tiny seed flourishes anew
Nurtured on memories of friendship
Basking in the warmth of a still shared vision
It thrives in reflected love light
There is a vacuum to fill
The heart of a lioness has left us
Leaving a pride of cubs
A tribe cocooned in a soul gentle, yet fierce
The tides of time will not erase your footsteps
December 23, 2019
December 23, 2019
I will remember Ann for her sense of humor her sense of justice and fairness.
She was foremost always a teacher in the best way always sharing knowledge and perspective. She could be a bit demanding on occasion.Once when I was
running down voters late on a very dark election night I returned to our base complaining of not finding the house numbers...Ann quietly got up and returned with a flash light and sent me back out the door...problem solved! She was a sweet, funny, smart lady who I will miss.
December 21, 2019
December 21, 2019
Ann taught mathematics to both of our daughters at what is now the Village Middle School. it was obvious to us that Ann taught each of her students, not just the class. Later we knew her through the Marblehead Democratic Town Committee and the League of Women Voters of Marblehead. Ann had personal and social goals and worked every day to attain these goals. She has been sorely missed this last year even as we knew she was being cared for lovingly by her family. Now, we must say good bye but we will always remember her and her caring heart. Lee and Jason Mondale
December 21, 2019
December 21, 2019
My first memory of Ann is from 1972. She was hosting a coffee at her home in Clifton for my campaign for state representative. She called the afternoon of the scheduled event. She had returned home from school to find the house empty of all light fixtures etc. The event happened regardless. We shared many political battles and some personal ones as well. May she rest in peace.
December 21, 2019
December 21, 2019
For decades I had the pleasure of working for the election of good Democrats with Ann. She will always be missed by those who knew her. She shared her time, her energy, her sense of humor and her good heart with many of us and we are all grateful for having had her in our lives.
December 21, 2019
December 21, 2019
If the actions and attitudes of a Mother's children are a reflection of her, Ann's reflection will shine for many, many years. Kay and I offer our condolences to Ann's loving family and our congratulations to her on a life well lived.
December 21, 2019
December 21, 2019
Voting phone banks, Fair Housing, League of Women Voters, signing petitions, making space surrounded by her tchochkys (sp?) at her home, Ann was a colleague and inspiration to me and all of us who work on these things. She would get frustrated but never daunted by the pace of change and good works. I loved being on the same page with her and inspired by her determination. Oh, I will miss you, dear, courageous Ann.
December 20, 2019
December 20, 2019
Ann was such an inspiration to me. Her sharp mind and sharp wit. Her compassion and warmth. Her wonderful kids. Her great personality. Her incredible dedication not just to “talking the talk” but more importantly “walking the walk.” She was truly a role model for me and for so many others. I loved her.
December 20, 2019
December 20, 2019
I really appreciated Ann--that's why I wanted her to date my father! I'll never forget how she was always looking out for things to furnish the school house with to make it special. Or the way she would deeply engage with Adam and Jesse when they were young. Or how she was always there for people (like the time she came to see Brenda perform in Cambridge--for only 4 minutes!). Or how she started exercising and became vegan at age 80. Or how she never gave up on recovering from her stroke. What an inspiration and a joy to talk to. Rich was a real hero for taking care of her after her stroke, but apples don't fall from trees, do they?
December 19, 2019
December 19, 2019
Ann was a remarkable volunteer and a true inspiration to me and so many others. Her life was devoted to making the world a better place.
I will miss her-----but never forget her kindness, her generosity, her good humor and her, always, positive spirit.
To her family: please accept my deepest sympathy
December 19, 2019
December 19, 2019
Ann was a political force to be reckoned with when I first met her in the 1980's. She combined intelligence, passion and good humor to the task of electing good people to office. She enriched the lives of everyone who knew her, worked with her and called her friend. Thank you, Ann. Rest in peace good woman.
December 19, 2019
December 19, 2019
Ann was an inspirational woman who displayed compassion, commitment, intellect, passion, kindness and humility. Her impact with students, teachers, the community of Marblehead, the state of Massachusetts, and our democracy will never be forgotten. I was honored to be Ann’s friend and colleague. Rest In Peace Ann, your loving energy will be sorely missed.

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