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Eleanor Kohn Obituary
Passed away peacefully January 30, 2013 at age 83
Resident of Oakland
Born in Tulare, CA, Eleanor attended San Jose State College, UCLA, and became a graduate of Women's Medical College of Pennsylvania in 1955. She interned at Highland Hospital in Oakland and spent two more years there as a Resident in General Surgery. She received a fellowship to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, where she spent three years and received a Masters Degree in plastic surgery from the University of Minnesota.
She started her practice in 1962 in Castro Valley and affiliated with Eden Hospital where she served at various times as Secretary, Vice-President, and President of the Eden Hospital Medical Staff and later as Head of the Burn Unit.
Eleanor had a variety of interests including painting, wood-carving, reading books, and was a popular Doc Talk speaker at the senior center.
Eleanor's passion for animals was evident as an owner/breeder of the African dog breed Basenji. Along with her partner Tobie Tauber, she founded Kontobi Kennels which produced many Basenji A.K.C. Champions. Eleanor and Tobie were stalwart members of the Basenji Club of Northern California where they served as active members and club officers for more than 25 years.
Dr. Kohn was preceded in death by her parents, Dr. Frank and Mrs. Lydia M. Kohn, and her life partner Lorraine "Tobie" Tauber. She is survived by her beloved Basenji Megan. Out of respect for her wishes, no service or memorial is planned. Memorial donations to local animal rescue foundations would be welcomed.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Eleanor Kohn
Elizabeth Yu
February 10, 2025
Gone, but not forgotten. You were one of my earliest mentors and ignited a love for caring for open wound, burn and amputee patients.
becky faulkner
February 10, 2014
this is becky it has been one of the hardest years without you I only wish I had the funds to keep youre book on line but I just cant I will never forget all of your kindness I will have to say good by its hard to imagine you gone but you will be in my heart forever
becky Faulkner
October 12, 2013
a candle burns all day and night for a dear friend who helped me through life.I will miss my friend with all my might good by my friend you wont suffer now for you will be in the light
October 12, 2013
dear Eleanor it is a loss of a dear friend mentor teacher unselfish most giving person you were when we lost our first basenji with words of wisdom and comfort for us you our whole family misses you every day you will be in our hearts I will never what I learned from you a true friend mentor and beloved friend rest my friend for you to have gone over the rainbow bridge becky larry and adoreanne
Elizabeth Yu
April 30, 2013
Dr. Kohn was the reason I developed a deeper understanding of wound and burn care. I have never, nor do I expect to see, the type of dedication to patients, and the love of teaching to healthcare professionals and patients she demonstrated.
Lynn Brechtel
April 29, 2013
A sad goodbye to a true mentor and friend who gave me so many great memories. An amazing intelligent, down to earth physician, who was loved and respected by all whom she touched. Hugs.
Pat Davis
February 22, 2013
Eleanor, and her partner, Tobie were faithful and well loved members of our independent water exercise group at Eden Outpatient Rehabilitation in San Leandro for many years.
We loved hearing the stories of their "family"--their beloved Basenji dogs. They were both generous with giving information when anyone had a medical question or concern.
We missed Tobie when she passed away and then Eleanor when she could no longer attend.
They are together now, and may they rest in eternal peace.
Tina Moirao
February 15, 2013
Thank you for saving my mothers life. I will always be in your debt. Your gifts to people and animals have been enormous. R.I.P.
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