Shirley B. Cohen family papers

Shirley B. Cohen worked as a reference librarian for the New Bedford Free Public Library. In late 1940s to the mid-1950s, she was an active member of the Junior Hadassah serving many roles, including board member, chairman, and 1st Vice President. During her active years in the Junior Hadassah, she was very involved in raising funds for the Children’s Village of Meier Shfeyah in Palestine. She also served as Vice President of the Jewish Youth Society and on the publicity committee for the Jewish Community Center. Later, Cohen continued to serve her community by giving book reviews at various events for the Junior Hadassah and The Helping Hand Society. Her involvement is documented within her scrapbook. Shirley was born in 1924 to Albert J. and Bertha Cohen, and died in 2000.

Shirley Cohen’s mother, Mrs. A. J. Cohen, also known as Mrs. Bertha Alpert Cohen or Bessie Alpert, was a lifetime resident of New Bedford and member of Tifereth Israel Synagogue. She was very active in many community groups, particularly the New Bedford Chapter of the Senior Hadassah, Hebrew Ladies’ Helping Hand Society, Council of Women’s Organizations of Greater New Bedford, New Bedford Jewish Convalescent Home, Sisterhood of Tifereth Israel, the Jewish Welfare Board and USO during World War II. She is a recipient of many awards, includes the Golden Rule Award and the Great Hearts Award for her humanitarian work. She also won awards for her dedicated service in prevention of heart disease. 2 of the scrapbooks were compiled by her and refelct these many activities.