In Memory – Jules A. Cohen

Jules A. Cohen died on May 30, 2024 at the age of 90. Jules and his wife Dede joined RIWPS in 1987, the year of its founding. Jules’ early volunteering included acting as auctioneer for RIWPS fundraisers. He served separate stints as president (1997-2001, 2010-2012) and led two cornerstone projects. Jules is remembered for his organizational skills, for his steady, focused direction, and especially for his art of gentle persuasion. In 2007 his contributions were recognized by a Lifetime Service Award.

 Jules conceived the Beechwood Garden Project in 2010. Under the auspices of the Beechwood Center for Life in North Kingstown, the garden is supported by RIWPS and the URI Master Gardeners. Jules drew from his leadership roles in the North Kingstown Senior Association, the URI Master Gardener Association and RIWPS to enlist support. In 2022 the North Kingstown Town Council designated the garden as the “Jules A. Cohen Garden” in recognition of Jules’ commitment to this beautiful native garden. The project offers opportunities to learn about garden related topics through the Beechwood Lecture Series.

The Rhode Island Spring Flower and Garden Show was an annual event in Providence for over two decades. For more than half of that long run it was Jules who led the RIWPS’ award winning native plant exhibit team. Judy Ireland, who served as the team’s landscape designer, recalls the Monday meetings Dede and Jules hosted in their home: 

“Jules approached leading our meetings in a professional, considerate, organized way. He was always genuine when we considered options of every element – whether it was the image we wished to create, an idea one of us had, or who else we might ask for support. 

 The next day after our meeting, he sent appropriate emails regarding a responsibility we had taken on in the meeting. He was always following through!

  We were a well-organized team taking pride in creating an exhibit that gave people a woodland experience of ‘being in the woods with pine needles under foot’. The exhibit always conveyed a message. One year we created the story of, ‘The legend of the Lady Slipper!’ Another year we showed important elements of saving existing trees during new house construction. Then there was the exhibit showing a beaver dam habitat complete with actual beaver chewed stumps! Detail was key, as we showed ‘Native Plants’ in their natural setting, in ways that could also be used in our cultivated gardens.

 Many of our dedicated members, previously involved in the Flower Shows, attended Jules’ funeral. A few participated in the ritual burial custom of adding soil to his grave. It felt so appropriate as soil was key to our mission of educating all about native plants.”

Whether he was working in his gardens, or collaborating with colleagues, or being the principal in organizing projects – all of these labors were occasions of joy for Jules. Ever gracious, welcoming, kind and generous, Jules created a congenial culture that nurtured talents, and helped form many lasting friendships.

We extend our heartfelt sympathy to Jules’ wife Dede. She shared so many of his gardening endeavors. We also offer our sympathy to his family and friends.