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Jill Cohen Obituary
Jill Meredith Cohen (56) died August 11, 2016 of complications related to metastatic breast cancer. A life-long Zionist and committed Jew, Jill was president and a member of the board of Congregation Beth Shalom and a life member of Hadassah. In recent years she also volunteered for Swedish Medical Center, Gilda's Club Seattle and the Young Survival Coalition.
Jill spent her professional career serving the Jewish community and fighting HIV/AIDS. She always said that working for non-profits helped pay her "rent" on earth by trying to make the world a better place.
All her life Jill was an avid dancer, singer and performer. She found tremendous satisfaction in writing about her life with metastatic breast cancer on her blog, Dancing With Cancer.
Jill is survived by her loving husband Richard Katz, her faithful companion dogs Bobka and Boychick, and Marilyn Cohen (mother), Susan and David Olinsky (sister and brother-in-law), Eric and Dana Olinsky, Jo and Abe Katz and extended Katz family.
Donations in her memory are suggested to Young Judaea, or Congregation Beth Shalom. Jill also supported the research organization Metavivor where 100% of donations go to metastatic breast cancer research.
Funeral services are Sunday at 3:00 PM at Congregation Beth Shalom at 6800 35th Avenue NE in Seattle.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jill Cohen
Sponsored by The Family.
Tracy Huddleson
August 23, 2017
Twenty years ago, I worked with Jill at the Northwest AIDS Foundation. I was always in awe of her vigor, optimism, fearlessness and a rare joy that infused everything she did. And that was even before she got cancer. Afterwards, cancer only seemed to redouble all those qualities.
I am astounded at the nearly two decades she contended with her illness. Who among us could do the same? What a woman -- what a life. Bless you, Jill.
Claire Lee
August 28, 2016
I am making a donation to METAvivor in Jill's memory. I am sorry I don't have Rik/Jill's address to send a personal card--I knew Jill in Cincinnati (Hillel/Sabra Dancers) and for the last 5 years or so we reconnected on Facebook. She was such a shining star, making the world a brighter place wherever she was.
Kevin Maifeld
August 16, 2016
Jill was such a good friend to our Sharon, a fellow traveler on the Stage IV journey, and gave her such strength and many, many laughs during her ten-year struggle with the disease. Her friendship and kindness is deeply appreciated.
Adrienne
August 15, 2016
She's been a beacon of hope and an inspiration for my mother and I since my mother's mets diagnosis almost 4 years ago. I picture her dancing with the stars now.
Condolences to Rik and her loved ones.
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Stephen Anderson
August 14, 2016
I'm very sorry to hear about Jill. I hadn't seen her in many years, but I always remember to be a warm, funny person. I wish I could attend the funeral in person but know she is in my thoughts.
August 14, 2016
Sending my deepest condolences to you, Rik and to Jill's extended family, closest friends and her loyal puppies. May her love and courage shine on. Abigail Anderson, Montreal, CA
Diana Steele
August 14, 2016
Love to you from the East Coast. We wish we could be there with you to celebrate Jill's life today but know that you will be surrounded by love. May her memory be a blessing.
Judy Lash Balint
August 13, 2016
Baruch Dayan ha'emet. May the memory of Jill's brave soul be a blessing and bring comfort to the family, her friends and far-flung admirers.
August 13, 2016
In loving memory of a wonderful and courageous person. My prayers are with you as you celebrate her life.
Renate Putrich
August 13, 2016
So fortunate to have known Jill even for a short time. Sending my love to her family.
Katherine OBrien
August 13, 2016
I only met Jill in passing but I felt I knew her well from her blog. My condolences to her family and friends.
https://mbcnbuzz.wordpress.com/2016/08/13/celebrating-jill-cohen-dancing-with-cancer-blogger/
Katherine OBrien
Janet Gilman
August 12, 2016
Beautifully written but then I'd expect no less. ❤
August 12, 2016
Praying for your family during this time. Jill Wallace
lfm
August 12, 2016
Sincere condolences to the family and friends in this time of great loss. May the God of loyal love comfort you all during your time of sorrow. (Hosea 13:14)
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