Sadie Cohen Toumarkine

Sadie Cohen Toumarkine died suddenly on Feb. 25, 2002, at age 93. She was well-known in the Wilmington, Dela., community in many capacities: a teacher in the public schools for over 20 years, first woman president of the Jewish Community Center, and president since its inception in 1959 of The Harry Cohen Foundation, a charitable foundation.At a time when education for women was not the norm, Mrs. Toumarkine worked her way through and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania and later did post-graduate work at Hunter College in New York City. She was a very early feminist. A fiercely independent woman, Mrs. Toumarkine remained physically fit, mentally acute, and fully in control of her own life and affairs right up until her death.On a more personal note, "Mrs. T" was a woman of many diverse interests a dog lover who raised several Siberian Huskies, an avid and highly skilled knitter, and an enthusiastic gardener. For the past 50 years, both Mr. and Mrs. Toumarkine thoroughly enjoyed vacationing in the North Conway area.Mrs. Toumarkine was devoted to her grandchildren Harry, Honnie, Conor, and Danny and delighted in keeping fully informed about their lives and activities. She is survived by her son, David; her daughter, Elaine T. Bermas; and her grandchildren. Her husband, Sol, and her brother, Samuel Cohen, predeceased her.Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 28, 2002, at Congregation Beth Emeth, 300 Lea Boulevard in Wlmington. Interment was at the Jewish Community Cemetery on Foulk Road.In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the Jewish Community Center (101 Garden of Eden Road, Wilmington, DE 19803), the Congregation Beth Emeth, or another organization of your choice.