Mary (Burton)  Cohen, 79, of Clermont, passed away on July 29, 2023, after a three year battle with cancer. Mary was born in Liverpool, England to the late Thomas and Hilda (Maugham) Burton in 1944.  She received certifications from the Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce London at Anfield, Liverpool. Mary was a secretary for two different shipping companies on the Mersey River. Mary's life changed course when she came to America in 1968 to be a nanny. After a brief return to England, she decided to make New York City her home. She would later become  an elementary school teaching assistant and worked in Brooklyn, New York and then in Florida after a move in the late 1990's. Mary worked at Groveland Elementary for 20 years, and gave it her all. She was known for her feisty spirit, sense of humor, determination and strong work ethic.  She cared deeply about and worked tirelessly for her teachers and students.
Mary had a green thumb, could sew and knit, none of which she passed down to her children. It seemed like she was always in the middle of a book. She loved to read, do crossword puzzles and wouldn't miss an episode of Jeopardy. Because she wasn't scholarly, Mary never considered herself to be smart  but she was incredibly intelligent and knowledgeable. She loved shopping, and single handedly kept Kohls in business. Mary could make an ordinary trip to the supermarket into an adventure. Funny, outspoken, kind, and strong are all words one could use to describe her.  Her family in England will miss the visits, FaceTime calls,  and laughter. The teachers and students will miss her unwavering help and loyalty. Her friends will miss her authenticity, texts, adventurous spirit and backseat driving directions. Her "girls" and grandkids will miss the visits during the holidays, FaceTimes in the evenings, parcels, and most of all her love.
Mary Cohen left behind a library of books, unopened magazines and calendars from 2016, expired spices and secret stashes of sweets. Her closet was made up of 50 shades of turquoise and blues. She kept her tax returns from 1988 and had hidden receipts tucked away all over the house. But most importantly Mary had a home full of love. She left a lasting mark on so many people's lives and her family will keep her memories old and new stored safe and sound in their hearts and homes forever.
Mary is survived by her forever friend and former husband Sam Cohen; her daughters : Karen Murphy, Jeanette Cohen, her adored grandsons: Andrew, Cameron and Leo; her sister Barbara Banahan, and her brother David Burton and his wife Rita.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with family on Saturday, August 19, 2023, beginning at 2:00 p.m. followed by a Celebration of Mary's Life at 3:00 p.m. at the chapel of Cremation Choices, 921 S. US Highway 27, Minneola, FL.