Grace Charlop Cohen

Grace (Charlop) Cohen, 96, of Alexandria, VA passed away on November 23. She was born on April 29, 1928 in New London, CT to Sam and Evelyn Charlop z”l. Most of her childhood was spent in Honolulu while her father served in the Navy, living part of that time on the estate of Doris Duke. She and her sister, Eleanor, had many adventures while there, including seeing the planes flying out on December 7, 1941. (She and Dad also saw the fireball at the Pentagon on September 11.) Grace graduated from high school in Honolulu before the family returned to New London. There she met Jay Cohen while playing bridge at Jay’s cousin’s home. They were married in 1948. They moved to Alexandria in 1956. They were married almost 63 years before his passing in 2011. She is survived by their three children: Michael (Wanda) Cohen of Ashburn, VA, Richard Cohen of Oakton, VA and Deborah (John) Ball of Overland Park, KS. She is also survived by their granddaughter, Samantha (Elliot) Bucki, who they adored. Grace was known for many things but primarily, bridge, entertaining, her needlework, and the Washington Capitals. She and Jay were original season ticket holders which provided so much pleasure through the 45 years that she attended the games. She was especially excited when they won the Stanley Cup in 2018 and she was able to sit in the owner’s box for Game 4 and take part in the victory parade. She was celebrated as the Capitals’ 90 year old Super Fan on TV and in the Washington Post (you can read it here: 90-year-old ‘best hockey fan ever’ will watch Caps-Knights Game 4 from owner’s box - The Washington Post ) and USA Today. She was even quoted in Sports Illustrated. Her ability with a needle was amazing. She made clothes for Mike and Rich when they were babies. Later she took up needlepoint, making pillows and wall hangings. After that it was knitting which resulted in many blankets. Grace was known for her parties and her cooking. Her pies were legendary. She and Jay would have latke parties each year and they became such a big event that they started to have two each year. Then everyone would play bridge after dinner. It was always a coveted invitation. Also, friends would gladly stop by any time if they knew that there was pie. She played bridge regularly until a few years ago. Before hockey took center stage, their social and travel schedule revolved around going to bridge tournaments and playing regularly. Jay and Grace ran a game at Agudas Achim Congregation twice a week for several years. She wore out a rotary phone dial helping people find a partner. She also ran a worldwide bridge game through the State Department in the 1960’s which included playing at the Moroccan embassy with the ambassador. In retirement, they enjoyed taking trips, going all over the world including, all over Europe, South America, Russia, China and Viet Nam. Her last trip in 2019 was with Debbie, John and Samantha through Switzerland, one of the few countries she had not visited with Jay. Special thanks to the residents and staff at the Landing for their care of Grace the last two years. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Parkinson’s Foundation, Social Action Fund at Agudas Achim Congregation or a charity of your choice. Service will be held on Monday December 2 at 11:00 am at Agudas Achim Congregation 2908 Valley Drive Alexandria Va 22302 followed by interment at King David Memorial Gardens at 1:00 pm. Zoom link for service is: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82336692611?pwd=Tbeq2iCsp77m9XStTIaP8t1uB8oiCO.1

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Grace Charlop Cohen

April 29, 1928 - November 23, 2024