Mio Jane Cohen
August 3, 1963 - June 8, 2019
Mio Jane Cohen of Salt Lake City passed away peacefully in the presence of her friends and family on June 8, 2019 after a fierce two year battle with cancer. She was 55.
Mio was born on August 3, 1963 in Boston, Massachusetts, to Jerome D. (Jerry) and Jane Morse Cohen. Originally named Amelia by her parents, she announced at age 3 that “I call myself 'Mio',” and was known as such from that day on.
She always loved animals, especially horses, and as a child she saved up her gift money for years to buy her own horse while she was still in high school. She studied animal husbandry at the Essex Agricultural and Technical Institute (“Essex Aggie”) in Danvers, Mass., from which she graduated in 1981.
After working with horses for several years, and as a bookkeeper and office manager, Mio co-founded Shards Stained and Etched Glass Studio in Peabody, Mass., where she gave lessons, restored historic stained glass for churches and other organizations, and created many original pieces.
Beginning in 1999, she was an enthusiastic participant at the annual Burning Man festival in Nevada. She attended for many years, first as part of the TOTEM theme camp and later working for several years as a greeter.
In 2005, she moved to Salt Lake City, where her artistic interests turned to the medium of fused glass. As a glass artist, she possessed a keen eye for color and design, creating many striking and beautiful works in both abstract and figurative styles.
For the last fifteen years, Mio was the Office Manager at The Urban Garden Company, a premier landscaping business in Salt Lake City, where her intelligence, creativity, and attention to detail were essential to the firm's success.
Mio is survived by her parents, Jerry Cohen of Hanover, Mass. and Jane Morse of Garner, N.C., her younger brother and sister-in-law, Art Cohen and Alicia Martinelli of Garner, N.C., two nieces and one nephew (Maria, Alice, and David Cohen), her cats Jeeves and J.J., and her four retired chickens.
There will be a celebration of Mio's life on Saturday, June 15, 2019, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Starks Funeral Parlor, Salt Lake City. Guests are encouraged to use the complimentary valet parking on the north side of the building.
In lieu of flowers, Mio would have appreciated donations toward the Salt Lake County Animal Services (511 W 3900 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84123) or an animal shelter of your choice.
In Loving Memory
I was shocked and very saddened to hear of Mio's passing. Even though we had not seen her for years, we felt a fondness for her because of the love for her mother. I would love to send a more personal message if you will send me an email. Love to your family, Luther
Luther Beal
Beals, ME
I'm beyond sad to hear of Mio's passing! I was her dental hygienist for years and we formed a great friendship! I loved seeing her name in my schedule. She would send me things for my son. She would help me with home design questions. We could talk about our struggles and laugh at so many things. What a wonderful person she was! I had the random thought last week to text her just to say hi. I'm so sad I didn't follow through with that thought. I don't know her family, but please know how much she was loved! And to Dean... I know you've lost an amazing friend! I'm SO sorry! She loved working for you and loved you as a friend! You took good care of her and she would often express her appreciation for you in our conversations! May God bless and comfort you!
Trista M
nan, nan
Honey, thank you for being a true and loyal friend. You will always hold a special place in my heart. Until me meet again, rest in peace. Russell
Russell Hussey
Merrimac, MA
I was saddened to hear of Mio’s passing. What a beautiful spirit. I will miss seeing her around the Urban Garden Company as her and my brother were a dynamic duo. I always looked forward to visiting with her , as she had great knowledge of almost everything . Rest In Peace sweet Mio.
Ardie Wyant
Lander, WY
Dear Jane, On behalf of the Donald Huff family in Ipswich, Mass., please accept our heartfelt condolences. Seeing Mio’s name in the Salem News brought me right back to your visits to our house and the friendship you had with my father. A happier time. Thinking of you fondly, Margaret Huff PS My dad passed away in 2011. His obituary is on Legacy.
Margaret Huff
Ipswich, MA
Dear Jane and family, So very, very sorry to hear about Mio's passing. I've made a donation to the Oceanview Kennel in Revere Massachusetts. Lisa Cutting has been an asset to the city in helping abused and neglected animals. The money will help her cause. Thank you for being generous with helping animals through your support. Love you Jane.
Elyae Smiertelny
Amesbury, MA
I was so sorry to learn of Mio’s passing. I remember her as a beautiful, imaginative, inquisitive, very bright little girl with a highly original and independent spirit. My family and I spent many happy hours with Mio, Arthur, and Jane during the years they lived in Needham. With much love, Lenore
Lenore Savage Parker
Cambridge, MA