Old Harbour to pay final respect to giant of an educator Mavis Cohen

On January 25, Cohen peacefully passed away at the age of 97, leaving behind a legacy of wisdom, kindness, and an unshakable dedication to education. Though she is gone, the impact she made on generations of students and the community she loved so dearly will never fade.

Cohen’s influence at Old Harbour Primary School extended far beyond the classroom. As a dedicated principal and mother figure, she played a pivotal role in shaping the institution and nurturing generations of students. With a career spanning over five decades, her guidance and compassion left a mark that time cannot erase, for both the school and the wider community.

In a heartfelt tribute, the school acknowledged the deep void her passing has left.

In a tribute to arguably its greatest principal, the school stated: “A devoted educator, leader, and pillar of our school, Mrs. Cohen’s passing leaves an immense void in our hearts. Her visionary leadership, wisdom and kindness earned her the respect and admiration of students, parents and colleagues alike…may her memory be a blessing and may we strive to honor her legacy.”

Beyond her role, Cohen formed deep, lasting connections with her students, many of whom credit her for shaping their futures. Her encouragement and belief in their potential remained with them long after they left her classroom.

"She was one of the best teachers I have ever experienced," shared Valerie Rochester, a former student who is now an operations manager for a company overseas. "I used to play at her house in Old Harbour with her children, and she was never tired of us. She never told us that it was time to go home…she was very welcoming."

Cohen’s children, Denise, Geoffrey, and Wayne Cohen, are heartbroken by her passing and are now grieving the loss of their beloved mother. To them, she was a pillar of strength, offering unconditional love and support that shaped their lives. As they navigate this difficult time, they find solace in the countless lives she touched and the lasting impact of her kindness and dedication.

A thanksgiving service to honor Cohen’s life and legacy will be held on Saturday, February 22, at 10 a.m. at the Church of The Holy Trinity, Darlington Drive, Old Harbour. She will be laid to rest at St. Dorothy’s Cemetery in Church Pen, Old Harbour, where family, friends, and former students will gather to pay their final respects.