Barbara A. Cohen-Pippin
Date of Passing:
Barbara A. Cohen-Pippin, 73, of Palm Coast, Florida, died peacefully at home on January 27, 2024.
Barbara was the beloved wife of Welmon B. Pippin.
Barbara was born in Boston, Massachusetts on February 13, 1950. Raised in Providence and East Providence, RI, she lived in Florida since 1974. She was the daughter of late Elizabeth (Cohen) Thomas.
Barbara earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Rhode Island, and a Master’s Degree (M.Ed.) in Education from the University of Massachusetts.
She built an impressive career spanning over 40 years, holding pivotal roles in higher education and legislative affairs. She served as Staff Director and Chief Legislative Analyst for Higher Education for the Senate Committee on Education, Executive Staff Policy Coordinator for Education for the Executive Office of the Governor, Executive Assistant to the President at the University of Florida, and Special Assistant to the President for Governmental Relations. She came out of retirement to become Director of Governmental Relations at Florida A&M University.
Barbara was passionate about education and dedicated to ensuring universal access to it. She was the proud recipient of the Senate Congressional Recognition Award by United States Senator, Bill Nelson.
Her commitment to service was a common thread in both her professional and personal life. Among her notable passion projects, all of which made a tangible impact, were her fight for DACA, her contributions to the John Street/Fox Point Remembrance Project, and her publication of the student-friendly book, “An Idea Becomes a Law from the Bottom Up.”
Even with all of these achievements, Barbara still made time for family and friends, traveling up and down the east coast corridor. She enjoyed hosting Thanksgiving dinner and spent many July 4th holidays in Cape Cod. If there was a family event, she was there, and was always a key contributor. Barbara’s actions showed nothing other than selfless love. She was good and kind and always knew how to make others feel loved. She cared deeply about making sure everyone’s needs were met, often putting them ahead of her own.
Barbara’s love for her family was immense, yet her devotion to her Savior and the church was even greater. She faithfully prayed the Rosary and was a daily Mass attendee. She belonged to the women’s club in her parish, and was a member of The Columbiettes, an organization of Catholic women dedicated to our Patronesses, the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Barbara was a woman of incredible strength, love, and kindness. She may have left this world, but her spirit lives on in the hearts of those she touched. Her life was a testament to the power
of love, the importance of family, and the joy of simple pleasures. She will be deeply missed, but her legacy of love and kindness will continue to inspire and guide us.
Besides her husband, she is survived by two brothers, Robert Cabral of Flagler Beach, FL, Michael Cohen of East Providence, RI, two sisters, Susan Greene of Newport, RI, Margaret Dreyton of Beaufort, SC, two bonus siblings, Vital E. Soares of Providence, RI and Antonia Soares of Providence, RI, two bonus children, Welmon Pippin Jr. of Dumfries, VA, Kimberly Pippin of Tallahassee, sister-in-law, Deborah King of Savannah, GA, brother-in-law, Juan Pippin of Los Angeles, CA, seven grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, numerous godchildren, along with many loving family members, friends and colleagues. Barbara is a cherished member of the Daluz Family. She was the sister of the late Stephen Cohen.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, February 3, 2024 in the Our Lady Of The Rosary Church, 21 Traverse Street, Providence at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at the Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Providence, RI.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Barbara’s memory to: St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105
Barbra was a VIP mentor in my life. She taught me how to move in this world. She was very influential and connected me with meaningful and purposeful individuals. And the memories will never be forgotten. The world will miss you, but I know wherever you are now your presence is warranted.
Love You Barbra
Since learning of Barbara’s death, I have had a difficult time in knowing how to express my thoughts. It is still hard to believe it is real. We talked late last year about getting together for lunch in Palm Coast after she was to make a trip to Rhode Island. Unfortunately, it was not to be. Barbara was one of those people without a mean bone in her body. She could be hurt but wouldn’t show it. She was always doing something extra for people she cared for and especially for students. She is with God and the angels which is where she belongs. I love you my friend.
Barbara was one of the greatest persons that I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. I miss her wisdom, her grace and most of all, her friendship. She was a mothering spirit that wanted nothing more than the best for me and so many who she coached through Florida politics. She was the unofficial Godmother to a whole nation of leaders. I pray that we can all become all that she inspired for us to be!
Dear Barbara never met any strangers!We were friends for many years during our tenure at the University of Florida. She was always very focused on inspiring people towards excellence and service!Her willingness to help others was always so admirable to me. She is an Angel!She has gained her wings!
“ If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue, … Or walk with kings —nor lose the common touch . . . “
Barbara carried herself with kindhearted presence. Smiling, pausing the rush, …Barbara had the common touch of listening to each of us, with uncommon caring, as she leaned into mere moments that would become legislative legacy.
May you rest in Mother Mary’s arms, dear Barbara, … and may your family far ‘n wide hold you & your ideals close.
Barbara was a compassionate, caring, and loving friend and colleague who inspired and touched so many of us! We miss her sorely. RIP🙏 Barbara! You live in our hearts forever! 💐
Barbara was a phenomenal woman and colleague! She will be sorely missed. I checked on her occasionally until death, as we were friends neatly 50 years. She worked in Palm Beach County for the late Maude Ford Lee, who was director of Community Action Council.
Barbara was an incredible person. When I first met her, you could feel her love immediately. She took the time to push me forward, just as she did so many others. I will always be positively impacted by her presence in my life.
Barbara had the spirit of warrior and the soul of a gentle saint. I was honored to walk the halls of Tallahassee and D.C. with her on behalf of BCC students. She believed there was always hope until the hanky drops and never gave up until it did.
My condolences to all in the family . Barbara was a beautiful person with a good personality generous kind hearted. I new her since I came to this country in 1970. I can’t say enough about her. She will sadly missed but not forgotten
Barbara was one of the kindest souls to roam this earth. She cared deeply about humanity and loved God, family and her friends. I was blessed to have her in my life and so grateful to have spent time with her over Christmas. She will be missed by all those whose life she touched (which are many). My heartfelt condolences to Welman and her family. Rest gently my dear friend. Until we meet again…❤️
Barbara was an angel of a person always concerned about others and always giving her very best. I loved her as a friend and a colleague. She helped put Broward College on the map. Seeing her work her magic in TALLAHASSEE was such a inspiration to me. She will always have a place in my heart.
Barbara was a very special friend and colleague. Whatever life brought her way she embraced with extreme passion. Her exuberance and tenacity to help others truly made a difference in many lives. I will always remember her kindness and thoughtful soul. She was well prepared for her journey home to her Lord and Savior.
What a beautiful soul. She had a heart of gold and taught me so much. I feel I was one of the lucky ones to have worked with her.
Oh no, I was just thinking of her. Barbara was my friend. An extraordinary human being always willing to help. I am sad for her departure but the memories remain. Until I see you again my friend 😢🙏🏽😢
I have so much love for Barbara. A champion of students and employees in the Florida College System, not to mention an incredible friend and mentor.
Barbara was the sweetest most giving colleague and friend! Have had the honor of knowing her since her University of Florida days. She was so thoughtful of others. Will miss you dear Barbara but please keep watch of us from the Heavens!
Barbara was a joyful public servant. Colleagues regard her as a consummate professional who championed higher education access for all.
Requiescat in Pace: Dear Lady Barbara
Mrs. Barbara was kind, committed and passionate. She loved the students of FAMU and fought hard on their behalf. She was thoughtful and sincere. She always took time to encourage me and I enjoyed working with her during our time at FAMU. My condolences to her loved ones.
With our deepest sympathy to the family of Barbara. We will never forget the trip she made to the Polk County Alumni Chapter to share her knowledge and experience with the chapter about the importance of being engaged in Government Relations. Her warm and kind spirit got the attention of everyone at the picnic that day. Immediately after she left the event a Government Relations Chair was named in the Chapter. We are forever grateful to Barbara that today we have a very strong Government Relations Committee Chair , Dr. Shandale Terrell. The effect of Barbara’s direction will never be forgotten.
Her Legacy has been established here on earth.
A job well done.
Rest in Peace.
Doris L. Hicks, M.ED
FAMUNAA Polk County Alumni Chapter President
FAMUNAA National Scholarship Chair
FAMUNAA Distinguished Alumni Awards Chair
Barbara was my colleague and more importantly my friend. We walked through many fires together. She always remained kind, loving and helpful. She enriched the lives of so many people and I will be forever thankful she came into my life.
Barbara will truly be missed! She was a sweet soul!! We shared so laughs as office mates in the Office if the President at FAMU!! SIP Barbara you are at rest now!
Barbara was a “one-of-a-kind” friend and person. My husband and I considered her a part of our family. She was Godmother to our daughter, Elyse, but considered herself Godmother to our son Cecyl, as well. I am grateful that she was such an important part of our lives. Rest well, friend
Barbara was a true friend to both Sonya and I. She was one of the hardest working, most dedicated people for FAMU. Her gifts of time and treasure to FAMU were beyond measure. We will miss her and her warm, welcoming personality. It was always rewarding to be in her presence.
Condolences to her family , from her St. Eugene Catholic Church family in Tallahassee. She was able to secure funds for projects at St. Eugene. Even when she moved from Tallahassee she continued support St. Eugene. RIP
I am very saddened to hear about the passing of Barbara. She was very inspiring when I started attending FAMU Day at the Capitol in 2017. May her beautiful soul rest in peace. She will be missed. FAMU NAA Third National President Angela T. Freeman 🐍🐍🐍
Barbara immediately embraced me and many other students at FAMU and made us feel at home. Without her I would have been lost and without a local family. I do my best to operate in that same model, but I’ll never be as awesome…rest in power, Barbara!
Although I only worked with her for a short time, she was always so kind and generous with her time and support. I am so sorry for your loss. She and her memory are indeed a blessing.
I’m so saddened to hear about the passing of Ms. Cohen-Pippin, who took me under her wings while she was Director of Government Relations at FAMU. I’m forever grateful for everything she did for me during my time at Florida A&M. She will be missed
Barbara was a human dynamo…
Rest In Peace
Barbara’s big heart overflowed with pure love. Her generosity of spirit made her a saint on earth. One of my mom’s best friends since they were girls, she took her role as bonus auntie very seriously and made sure I knew I was loved. We joked about being Aquarian Soulmates. I will never forget all she did for me, my sisters, my organization in Cape Verde, and basically everyone in her orbit. Tia Barbara, thank you for spreading so much love and joy. Obrigada pa tudo.
Barbara is a polished diamond that shines so brightly with the services she gave to Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) and its National Alumni Association (NAA). I speak of her in the presence because her memories will live on in my life and heart, in the lives of the FAMU Government Relations Committee members, especially those in Florida, on FAMU campus, and in the lives of Floridians. She left a piece of her heart with us, and we will always love and keep the memories she shared with us. The alumni, students, staff, legislators, Christians, and friends who life Barbara touched especially in Tallahassee and Florida are the better today because she passed our way. When the Master reached out His hands and Barbara put her hands in His, she went to receive her blessings. Thanks to Welmon for sharing Barbara with us and for caring for Barbara for us! Love, FAMU NAA GRC
Barbara was an inspiration to so many of us. She was a mentor and a friend. Her passion for education and a just immigration system was evident. She will be missed.
I would like to express my deepest condolences on behalf of the Florida A&M University Office of Communications. Director Keith Miles and I worked with Barbara to host the HBCU Impact Summit involving presidents of Florida’s four HBCUs. Barbara was a joy to work with. She was careful to include stakeholders from throughout the university in her legislative work. We were sad to see her go but knew she deserved to enjoy some relaxation after such a strenuous public service career.
There is so much I can say about you and our cherished friendship. I am blessed that you were a part of my life. Our friendship extends beyond the earthly realm and survives eternally. God Bless you.
I was fortunate to meet Barbara through my college friend Stephen while we attended FAMU. Barbara was welcoming and fun. Our crew Stephen, Brian, Frances and myself- Valerie shared many happy moments visiting with Barbara. Rest In Peace. Rest In Power. 💗
I was deeply saddened to hear Barbara passed away. I met Barbara while at FAMU. She began my big sister, always caring and giving person. Barbara is the true definition of unconditional love. I will miss all our deep conversations about faith and spirituality. Condolences to Welmon and family.
I feel blessed, as many of us do, to have her as a friend for life. Our days together go back to her living two doors down from me on John Street in Fox Point. I was privileged to have worked with her on a few of her goals…the Cape Verdean Junior Progressives and also putting together the Fox Point Reunion for a couple of years. Just an amazing woman and she will surely be missed.
So sad to hear that Barbara passed away. She was a sweet and kind person. Condolences to her family. Rest in Peace, Barbara.
when i first joined the cvclub 20 years ago , i had the honor of working with barbara on a club project . my first thought was what an easy going person, and a great attitude. made me feel very welcomed . god bless you,R.I.P.
Barbara is a kind soul. Her dedication in Education has helped many to achieve their goals in furthering their careers. You’ll be missed my friend.
The Corria family send our condolences to family and friends! She always supported me in my rides to find a cure to find a cure for pediatric cancer! God Bless Barbara R.I.P.
Barbara was such a sweet, caring and loving person.To say I am sorry to hear of her passing is an understatement. She was an angel here so I have certainty that she is one in heaven.That thought is comforting.Condolences to her family.🙏🦋🌺🇨🇻
My condolences to the family. Barbara was a wonderful person to be associated with. I enjoyed being in her company, she was kind, friendly and smart. Her presence will remain with us all at the C V Progressive Center. where she enjoyed being a Member… Rest In Peace our faithful Friend..
Please accept our Heartfelt Condolences.
From James and Geraldine Pippin the Knoxville,Tennessee Pippin Family.
Barbara was always Barbara & that’s why I loved her! She was true to herself & others. Because of her loving, kind & generous spirit, me & others were drawn to her light & benefited from her God-given assignment to uplift & educate people. I will truly miss my dear friend!
We were deeply saddened to hear about Barbara’s passing. Please accept our heartfelt condolences during this difficult time. You neighbors in #39, Sherri and a David Oslin
Barbara was a dedicated member of the Cape Verdean Progressive Center. Her contributions of her time and treasures was invaluable. She will be missed. Our condolences to her family.
Barbara was my chldhood friend when we were growing up in Fox Point. I will always remember my mom doing her hair in banana curls after she finished with my sisters and my hair in curls as well, to go to Holy Rosary mass with my dad. She was a sweet and loving friend. Rest in Peace my dear friend.
You will never be far gone,
For we will always recall,
How we lived, laughed, cried, loved…..
How we shared – togetherness,
As who we really are: ONE!
Memories will always
Bring you back with us.
Always,
John Janzen & Marta Cruz
A beautiful kind soul.
A friend to everyone she met.
She will be greatly missed.
Any friend or family of Barbara’s is beyond sad to hear of her passing. If you asked me to name a person who is a the example of a true Christian, her name would be the one I would say immediately. I feel so blessed to have had her as a friend.
Barbara was one of the nicest person I ever met, she was beautiful in and out and I know she is walking around heaven helping people now. Her kindness is was touch by everyone she met. May her soul rest in peace.