Shirley Cohen

It is an uncommon person that requires an uncommon obituary. This is the case for Shirley S. Cohen who passed away on December 12, 2015. Few lives have enriched so many, from the smallest of kittens and puppies, to underprivileged children, to the president of the United States, and all of those in between. Few have been able to evoke as many smiles, engage as many strangers and turn them into friends, and influence so many children in countless ways as Shirley did during her precious life. Although in physical absence, her presence and influence will remain strong within all of whom she crossed paths with over the past 84 years. Born in Hollis, NH on Aug 8, 1931, Shirley was the daughter of Jeffery Poole and Mary Jackson Smith. She grew up on the Buttonwood Farm with her parents and two siblings Dick and Connie. This farm served as a remarkable playground for this very active girl. She loved the cows, the pony, the barn and defying the word 'no' from her parents. This set the stage for the passion, energy and creativity that we knew and loved about her in the years forward. Shirley graduated from UNH and pursued a career in teaching physical education in the elementary and high school systems of Cohasset, MA and Nashua NH (Broad Street and Ledge Street). She married Joseph E. Cohen and they resided in Hollis, which for most of her life was within sight of her cherished Buttonwood Farm. Although having no children of their own, Shirley and Joe enriched the lives of many children through countless activities ranging from sports, to arts, to gardening, and even to picking up trash throughout the town. She will always be remembered as everyone's swimming teacher at Silver Lake that never got wet. She utilized her strengths at engaging people to find homes for stray animals, to help elect local and national politicians including George H. W. Bush, and to fundraise and find volunteers for numerous causes. For many years, she served as a member, trustee and volunteer for Beaver Brook Association, a nature conservation area founded by her father and cousin, Hollis P. Nichols. She also contributed by serving on numerous other boards including the Hollis School Board, the Robin Colson Memorial Foundation. She is survived by her brother Richard Smith of Medford, Massachusetts, her sister Connie (Robert) Sheldon of Goffstown, NH, nieces and nephews Anne (Art) Bosley, of Goffstown, NH , Janet (Bruce) Mohrmann, of Waterville, Ohio, Steve Smith( David Lones), of Medford MA and Jeffrey Smith. She is predeceased by her parents, husband, sister in law Ernestine Smith and a nephew, Danny Sheldon. She also leaves behind 4 great nieces and nephews, Adam Bosley, Kyle Bosley, Kelly (Jesse) Schmidt and Lindsay Mohrmann. And she leaves behind many treasured friends. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations are made in Shirley's memory to the Nashua Humane Society or to Beaver Brook Association. French and Rising Funeral Home 17 South Mast St. Goffstown is assisting with arrangements. For more information or to sign an online guestbook go to www.frenchandrising.com Funeral Home: French and Rising Funeral Home 17 South Mast Street Goffstown, NH US 03045