Harriet (Cohen) Robie

HARRIET (COHEN) ROBIE

A link to view the livestream funeral can be found here.

Harriet (Cohen) Robie, of Palm Beach Gardens, FL, and formerly of Brockton, MA, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 5, 2025, at the age of 79, following a brief illness. Harriet was the daughter of the late Joseph and Bessie (Dushman) Cohen. Devoted wife of 54 years to Joseph Robie. Beloved mother of Stephen and Edwina “Winnie” (Jacobson) Robie of New York, NY, and Michael and Jody (Sheffer) Robie of Natick, MA. Adored grandmother of Olivia, Jordan, and Addison Robie. Dear sister of Rosalind (Cohen) Hurwitz and Herb Stern.

Born and raised in Brockton, Harriet graduated from Brockton High School and the Chandler School for Women. Since the age of thirteen, she worked under the tutelage of her father and mentor, the late Joseph Cohen. She worked in management at Brockton East Side Package, Inc. where she learned all aspects of liquor store operations. Later, Harriet and her husband, Joseph, owned and operated the business for twenty-nine years until retirement. Harriet was well respected in the greater Brockton business community and always treated people, regardless of title or stature, with the same level of respect.
As the matriarch of her family, Harriet was passionate about her home, her family, and her community. Hardworking and industrious, Harriet was diligent and meticulous in managing her household and providing for her family. Her attention to detail was unparalleled and her home was a source of pride to share with family and friends, especially on the Jewish holidays. Harriet was also a long-time member of Temple Beth Emunah in Brockton and was very active in the Sisterhood as well as Torah Fund.

Generous and compassionate, Harriet also extended kindness and help to those in need both within her family and in the wider community. She cherished the lifelong friendships which she nurtured over the years and was instrumental in rescuing family members from the grips of antisemitism in Russia, providing them with a better life in Israel. Perhaps her most defining characteristic was her reverence and commitment to the Pride of Brockton Cemetery, where she served as Co-Chair for forty-nine years from 1958-1979 and from 1987-2015. Through her strength, dignity, and perseverance, Harriet transformed the Cemetery into a living testament of her devotion and legacy, which will continue to carry on the tradition of its namesake as one of the last remaining landmarks of what was once a thriving Jewish community with multiple synagogues and organizations.

Harriet will be remembered for her unwavering dedication, grace, and the love she poured into her family and community. Eshet Chayil (“Woman of Valor”) – May Harriet’s memory be forever an eternal blessing.

Services will be held at Temple Beth Elohim, 10 Bethel Road, Wellesley, MA, at 11:00AM, on Tuesday, July 8, 2025. Following interment at Pride of Brockton Cemetery, 197 South Street, Stoughton, MA, Shiva will be held at the Clubhouse at Ledgebrook, 261 Nahanton Street, Newton, MA, immediately after services from 2:00-5:00PM. Shiva will continue on Wednesday, July 9, 2025 at the home of Michael and Jody Robie, 1 Northwood Lane, Wayland, MA. Visiting hours will be from 2:00-4:00PM and 6:00-8:00PM. Minyan Service will begin at 6:30PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Harriet’s name may be made to Dr. James Cleary Research Fund, c/o Dana Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02884-9168.