Obituary of Margot J. Cohen
Passed away on December 10, 2022, at age 62.
Born in Montreal, raised in New Jersey, Margot found her home in Rochester while attending the Eastman School of Music. She served as the Director of Marketing and Communications at the Jewish Federation of Greater Rochester until retiring in 2019.
She blossomed as a retiree by volunteering at local organizations, traveling and bicycling with her beloved husband Dave, enjoying the company of her family and many good friends, and devouring more good books than some of us knew existed. She was a ruthless Scrabble player and walked briskly every day. She will always be remembered for her bravery, selflessness, and positive, can-do attitude. She had a passion for life and loved music, the outdoors and friends and family, especially those young enough to enjoy a good game of Ring Around the Rosie. If it could be done, she would do it. She was an unwavering bright light in our family that will sorely be missed. Her ready laughter could be trusted to keep our spirits high. It was impossible not to be uplifted by her presence. She was a friend of Bill for 21 years, whose fellowship helped to sustain and enrich her.
She is predeceased by her father Mortimer Cohen and stepfather Jules Lipcon. She is survived by her husband David Richards; her mother Vivian Lipcon; Mary Sellier; brother Hugh (Cathy); sisters Ann Bollay (Rob) and Elissa Kramer (Jay); stepchildren Christina (Cathy), Ben (Kara) and granddaughter Eleanor; nieces and nephews Nina (Scott), Benn (Brittney), Amik (Jeff), Dan (Amanda), Matt, Rachel (Nikki), Aaron (Sabrina); and grand-nieces and nephews Elliott, Luke, Savannah, Caleb, Edmund, Taylor, Casey, Ruby, Ilan, Ethan, Tessa, and John.
A memorial service and celebration of Margot’s life followed by a reception will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Wilmot Cancer Institute of the University of Rochester, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Rochester, or the Jewish Federation of Greater Rochester.