Susan Merle Cohen

Dr. Susan Merle Cohen, PhD, CRNP, FAAN, age 67, passed away on June 12, 2018 in Pittsburgh, PA. She was predeceased by her parents, Sidney A. Cohen and Helene (Held) Cohen. She leaves behind a loving family, including her siblings, Dr. Joel Cohen and Dianne Reeves, Judith (Cohen) and Dr. David Kolko, and Sharon Cohen and Elliot Rosen, and her nieces and nephews, Sarah Cohen, Samuel Cohen and Alie Stach, Dr. Rachel Kolko and Dr. Matthew Conlon, Lillie Rosen and Joshua Nadas, Aaron Kolko and Christy Grunebach, Madeline Cohen and Ian Hartsough, and Joseph Rosen. Born in West Palm Beach, FL, Susan was proud to be a second-generation Floridian on her mother's side and had an avid interest in family and regional history. She was happiest hearing the crash of ocean waves. Susan was a Forest Hill High School Falcon, Class of 1968, received her undergraduate degree from The University of Pennsylvania, and earned her doctorate from the University of Alabama-Birmingham. Her teaching took her all over the country. Susan taught at Yale University and The University of Pennsylvania, among other institutions. Susan was Associate Professor of Health Promotion and Development in the School of Nursing at the University of Pittsburgh and had many professional accomplishments. She was an expert in the fields of women's health and complementary and alternative medicine. Her research improved women's health and positively impacted nursing practices. Susan was beloved as a professor and served as an inspiration to many colleagues, students, and friends. She also was an influential Life Coach. Susan was an active member of Pittsburgh's Beth El Congregation and closely connected with congregants of all ages. Throughout her life, she has been a dear friend to many and will be profoundly missed. Susan leaves a wonderful legacy of wisdom, wit, and an affinity for blue nail polish. A memorial service will be held in Pittsburgh, PA, at Beth El Congregation (1900 Cochran Road, 15220) on Friday, June 15, 2018 at 11:00am. Susan will be buried in her hometown of West Palm Beach, FL, in a private graveside service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Beth El Congregation Endowment Fund or a charity of your choosing. Please send condolences to: post-gazette.com/gb