Burial Date
Obituaries » Ronnie B. Cohen
Ronnie B. Cohen, 65, was born in Bellmore, New York on January 28, 1954 to Elaine and Leonard Cohen. One of four children, Ronnie was sweet as can be but misbehaved just enough to pave the way for smooth sailing for her siblings. She played the guitar, loved to sing, loved her family, good music and slot machines. One time she almost sang backup for her favorite singer of all time, Bonnie Raitt.
Ronnie married the love of her life, Bruce Willette, on November 27, 1982 after nearly a decade together. She wore a very fashionable brown suit for the big day, and her adoring husband would tell you she was and still is the most beautiful woman he’s ever seen (a fact that he told every nurse [you’re all saints, by the way] throughout her brave battle). Ronnie and Bruce made their home and raised their daughter in Barre, Vermont, where Ronnie dedicated 29 years of her work life as a social worker for the VT Department for Children and Families. She loved her work and the connections she made through it, and even on the tough days she tried to make a difference, although, those were the days she would give her daughter the biggest and best of her notorious hugs.
Ronnie is survived by her husband and best friend of more than 40 years, Bruce Willette, mother Elaine Cohen of Heaton Woods, Montpelier, daughter Rachel Rouleau and her husband Robert, sister Lori Cohen and her husband Brian Tuttle, grandchildren (who called her “Mama”) Madelyn and Alexander Rouleau, nephews Jacob Larrabee and his wife Amber, Aaron Larrabee and his wife Jenice, BFF Judith Blank and her daughter Sajana, and lots of special grand-nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her father, Leonard Cohen, and brothers Mitchell and Gary (give her mom Elaine a big hug if you see her).
Services for Ronnie were held at the Beth Jacob Synagogue, 10 Harrison Ave., Montpelier on Thursday, January 30th at 2:00 pm. All were welcome, and we invited you to join us after for a celebration of her life at The Reynolds House, 102 S. Main St., Barre. We encouraged you to bring a story to share and/or your favorite picture.
Those wishing to express online condolences may do so at www.guareandsons.com.
