Roberta Amy Cohen

Mrs. Roberta Amy (Brown) Cohen, age 81, formerly of Pittsfield and Agawam, MA passed away peacefully on September 25, 2024 at the Elaine Center, Hadley.

Born on July 6, 1943 Staten Island, NY, Roberta, or Bert as many will remember her, was a daughter of the late Robert E. Brown and Eloise Mae Bertoli. She was the beloved stepdaughter to the late George Bertoli. Her family moved to North Adams when she was a young girl and she was educated in the public schools there. She was a 1961 graduate of St.Joseph’s High School. Out of high school, she studied to be a hair stylist.

Bert worked alongside her husband Richard Bruce Cohen at their family business, Michael’s Shoes in Lenox, for over 20 years. She also worked some winters at the local Ski Resort – Bousquet where her daughters have very fond memories of her having fun while she worked and they skied.  She later worked at Waterford Crystal in Lee, MA and later at Kimball Farms in Lenox where she retired.

She was a proud wife and cherished the gift she was given of three beloved daughters. Bert loved being a mother and was so proud of all of her girls accomplishments.

In her younger years Bert was active with water sports, especially water skiing and diving. She also played volleyball and would often remind her daughters how good she was.  As she got older, she was content to be at home doing word puzzles and enjoying the comfort of her home.

To know Roberta was to love her.  She had the most beautiful heart and wonderful spirit and loved to laugh.  It didn’t matter if the laughs came from watching a sitcom or comedy, or sitting around the table with her family, she was always full of joy.  She had a zest for life and deep enthusiasm for sharing her stories in such an adorable and endearing way each time she told them.  Her warmness was a beam of light, she was amazingly inclusive and nurturing, and she embraced anyone who crossed her path.  She had a zeal for whistling and while working at Kimball Farms, she was known for her whistling and her joyful spirit. Roberta (“Bert”) was pure Love and Joy. 

Her excitement and joy for music and dancing, in fact, transcended many forms.  Her daughter’s friends, when in high school, would often see Roberta at a stop light while driving and she’d be dancing at the wheel.  Every day on her commute to Kimball Farms she enthusiastically listened to the Bee Gees and during her daughters growing up years, she would always enjoy the same music they were enjoying and would dance right along.    

Mrs. Cohen was predeceased by her husband Richard in 2019 after nearly 50 years of marriage.  She sold their home where her children grew up and moved to Agawam to be close to two of her daughters at Quail Run Estates.  She “was a pretty big deal” there and everyone loved her.  She attended ‘happy hours’ and brought her “Red” cup and shared with one of her favorite residents proclaiming she would take care of her, like they were in a sorority.  She also loved her experience there called ‘Poetry With Andy’ where Bert found her voice and surprised herself with her art for writing.  She was so proud of what she wrote in form of poems or stories.  Roberta was so excited to play ‘Family Feud’ at Quail Run as well, with some of the other residents; while Steve the Estate Manager at the time, at Quail Run hosted the game.  She would beg him “just one more game Steve, one more, please!”  He would say “Roberta, I’ve got to get back to work.”  Early on, Roberta had the pleasure of attending a concert at Quail Run called ‘Ray of Elvis’.  She was convinced he was better than the actual Elvis.  Two of her daughters nearby, Tracy and Kimmie would find where he was playing off campus and bring her to his shows.  She even was serenaded by him and left with a few of his scarves.  She insisted to mail one of the scarves to her youngest daughter, Erin who couldn’t be there, but was always in spirit.  Also, early on, Roberta participated in a few BINGO games at Quail Run.  She stopped playing after some of the other residents would get their feathers ruffled when Roberta would call out BINGO as a joke when she really didn’t have it!  Roberta thought it was hilarious and fun and was fascinated at how serious they were and it cramped her style, so she left them to their competitive BINGO games.  She enjoyed living at Quail Run for 4 years before transitioning to Elaine Center.  Everyone; Everywhere loved Roberta.  Simply, she made this world a better place; not only for her beloved family, but anyone who had the joy of knowing her and loving her.     

She is survived by her daughters and their spouses, Tracy Galdamez (Omar) of Agawam, MA, Kimberly Wells (Russ) of South Hadley, MA, and Erin Cohen (Kevin Burgess) of Rancho Palos Verdes, CA, her grandchildren, Ariana Roberta Kierans - spouse Niall, Natalie, Evin, and Matthew, her great grandson Mylo and several nieces and nephews.

SERVICES: Calling hours for Mrs. Cohen will be Tuesday March 11, 2025 from 4-6PM at the Devanny-Condron Funeral Home. Burial for family and close friends will be the following day, March 12th at Noon at Pittsfield Cemetery.