Edna Raye Benvissuto, age 89, of Andover, passed away peacefully on November 8th, 2021 surrounded by her loving family.
Born August 30th, 1932 to Irene and Gerald Penly, Edna “Babe” was raised by her loving maternal grandparents the late Edna and Spence Cox in Ames, Iowa. Edna loved growing up in a large family in Ames. She had fond memories of her childhood that she would often share with her children and grandchildren of the simpler times back in the day.
Edna met her first husband the late James (Jim) D. Cohoon in Ames. Jim enlisted in the Navy and was stationed in multiple locations, during this time Edna enjoyed the comradery of Navy life and had her four children in four different states as they moved about.
When Jim retired from the Navy, the family moved to Melrose, MA. It is here that Edna raised her family for many years. To support her family, Edna began working in furniture sales and interior design, a job she held for numerous years. She became well known locally and people would seek out her advice on decorating.
Edna always had a dream of owning her own restaurant and opened a diner, Edna’s Cozy Kitchen in Stoneham. It was there she met her beloved second husband the late Joseph Benvissuto. The diner was short lived, but she thoroughly enjoyed the experience and the people she met along the way.
In her spare time, Edna loved gardening and cooking, especially making creative birthday cakes for her grandchildren. She loved to entertain and host family get togethers, the holidays being her favorite.
Edna will be remembered most as a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. Her family meant everything to her, and she will be forever missed.
Edna was the beloved wife of Joe Benvissuto, devoted mother of James D. Cohoon & his wife Linda of Boston, MA, Robin Cohoon of Andover, MA, Cindy Cohoon & her companion Henry (Rocky) Ricard of Andover, MA, and Brian Cohoon who predeceased her and his wife Jackie of WA.
Loving Grandmother of Jamie, Rene, Jimmy, Kathleen, Charlene, Zachary, Sydney, Katlynne, Jesse and Devon. Loving Great Grandmother of Jordan, Clare, Elijah, Nora, Sevano, Nathan, Laney, Derecc, Micheala, the late Seraphina, Bronwyn, Sloane, Elena, Carter, Scottie, Kendalyn and Ben.
Loving Great Great Grandmother of Roman.
A private service will be held for immediate family only. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Burke-Magliozzi Funeral Home of Andover. For additional information, please visit, www.burkemagliozzi.com.