Lenore Cohen

1920 - 2020

Lenore Cohen
Oct. 12, 1920 - Nov. 29, 2020
Resident of Novato, CA
In the last few years of her century long life, Lenore often repeated, "I've had a great life." Born with good looks and a command of the social stage, she carried those features into her 100th year.
Lenore was born in Des Moines , Iowa. She loved her childhood and young adult years. She studied dance throughout her youth and continued at Monticello College and in New York City. She worked as a counselor at a Jewish dude ranch in the Rockies that transcended into real cowgirl work during WWII.
Lenore dated Samuel T. Cohen from 1936-1938. When he proposed she declined, but after he returned from the European theater of WWII, she accepted. They were married for 69 years.
When Sam was called up for active duty as a major in the Air Force, they packed up their toddler, Nori, and moved to Hayward. They lived the next 60 years in Hayward, where they were deeply involved in social, educational, political, and cultural causes. Lenore spent years fundraising for St. Rose Hospital; Oakland Art Museum; as well as volunteered at the Hayward Women's Shelter.
She was a past President and long-term member of the Hill and Valley Club.
Lenore and Sam enjoyed close friendships from the early 1950's well into the 21st century. She was a great cook and entertained often; traveled the world and never stopped loving the S.F. Ballet.
Lenore spent her final years in Marin County near her daughter, who along with the staff at Atria, provided quality care. She is preceded in death by Sam; her sister Rose Lorig; brother Bud Kahn; and son Ron. Lenore is survived by daughter Nori Fithian with husband Bob; Richard Cohen of Portland , Oregon; five grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren as well as valued nieces, nephews and cousins.
From start to finish , Lenore danced through life.


View the online memorial for Lenore Cohen