Joan Frances Cohen, 81, passed away peacefully at her home in Chesapeake on May 22, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. Born on July 21, 1944, in Massachusetts, Joan was the daughter of Benjamin Robert Newcomb and Doris Ballou Newcomb.
Joan was the heart of her family and spent her life raising her six children with fierce love, steady strength, and the kind of humor that could carry people through hard days.
She built a long career in retail and was known by many throughout Hampton Roads from her years working at Leggett in Military Circle Mall, as well as Upton’s and Target in Greenbrier. Joan’s work ethic was legendary. She continued working the night shift at Target until finally retiring two years ago at the remarkable age of 79.
Retirement never slowed her down. Joan lived her senior years at full throttle. She was active with the Niners Club, the Sassy Seniors Club, the 55 or Better Club in Chesapeake, and the Rokeby Rockers. Joan would arrive a hour early on Saturday’s to secure a good seat when crafting with friends at the Rokeby Center. She proudly participated in the Senior Olympics, where she earned medals, and she looked forward every year to attending the Chesapeake Sheriff’s Picnic. Her energy and spirit were so well known that she was recently featured in a Chesapeake Parks and Recreation publication.
Joan also found comfort and community through her faith. She attended both Kempsville Church of Christ and Southside Church, where she enjoyed fellowship and spending time with friends from church.
Joan loved bingo with the passion of a woman entering gladiator combat armed with lucky charms and a dauber. She spent countless nights playing at Brentwood Hall, and Airline Bingo, especially the midnight games she enjoyed with friends. If there was bingo happening at McDonald’s, Hardee’s, Chick-fil-A, or Centerwell, Joan was probably already there with a card in hand and fully prepared to dominate. She also had a lifelong love for Elvis Presley and fulfilled a dream of visiting Graceland.
Joan treasured time spent with her grandson Brandon, creating memories that became family traditions. Together they visited SeaWorld, rode roller coasters endlessly at Busch Gardens Williamsburg using the season passes she maintained for nearly 40 years, and spent joyful afternoons playing Pokémon games back when Toy Castle stood on Military Highway, proudly winning holographic cards and having the time of their lives.
For quite a few years, Joan spent time traveling to every volleyball game that her great-granddaughter, Hayli, was playing in. She gave endless encouragement and was so proud to watch her play.
She is survived by her son Samuel Cohen Jr. and his wife Patty; her son Dennis Cohen and his wife Denell; her daughter Kathy Partain and her husband Bill; her son Kevin Cohen; her daughter Ginger Cohen; 10 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and her beloved gray and white cat, Lindsay, who faithfully remained by her side for 14 years.
Joan was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Sharon Ann Mobley; her son, William “Butch” Cohen; and her daughter-in-law, Genia Cohen.
Joan leaves behind a family full of stories, laughter, resilience, and memories stitched together by roller coasters, bingo halls, Elvis songs, and unconditional love. She lived loudly, loved deeply, and stayed active right up until the very end. That kind of spirit does not quietly disappear.
