Emily Cohen

Emily Cohen passed away on September 5, 2013 at the age of 96. Born to Hyman and Dinah Miller in 1917 in Burnside, Illinois, young Emily was involved in the dramatic arts and student council and aspired to be an actress. Before her rise to fame, she met and fell in love with George Cohen, who swept her off her feet with his humor and charm. They started dating when she was 14 and he was 16 and built a loving relationship for the next 60 years. After getting married in 1937, they moved to Racine, Wisconsin to open a men's clothing store, George and Lester's, with George's brother. During the next 28 years in Racine, Emily raised four children while working part time as a bookkeeper in the store and participating in their local synagogue. After spending time in Colorado Springs and San Mateo, Emily and George moved to Las Cruces in 1987 to retire. Emily personified elegance, compassion and community involvement, and she was a role model for everyone around her. When they first moved to Las Cruces, Emily and George volunteered to work at the KRWG TV auction, where they formed many lasting friendships. They were asked to be the greeters for the Elderhostel Program conducted through New Mexico State University and they became actively involved with their religious community at Temple Beth El. After George's death in 1991, Emily's commitment to community and social justice continued. She was a founding member and treasurer of the Las Cruces Chapter of Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) and helped educate about, and advocate for, issues affecting the LGBTQ community. Emily's love for the visual and performing arts was expressed through her many years of service to the Dona Ana Arts Council as treasurer long before the computer age. In honor of her outstanding contributions to the arts, she was granted the Papen Family Award and she was named the first emeritus board member. During the early years of La Casa, Emily served on both the Board and the Guild. When the new shelter for victims of domestic violence was built, Emily was in charge of the children's playroom and library; upon completion, the room was lovingly dedicated as Emily's Room. Finally, as a lifelong Democrat, Emily actively worked for local, state and national candidates into her nineties. Over her lifetime, Emily's positive attitude, graceful style and deep commitment were truly inspirational. Her energy and love will be deeply missed. Emily is pre-deceased by her parents, her two sisters, Sylvia and Esther; her brother, Harold; her granddaughter, Debbie Joseph and her son, Allan Joseph. Emily is survived by three children: Gary Cohen (Jackie), Esty Lawrie Landy (Tom), Susan Brown, and her daughter-in-law, Phyllis Joseph. She is also survived by seven adored grandchildren: Elizabeth "Buffy" Joseph (Brian Feinberg), Susan Joseph (Helen Bronston), Mark Yagan (Janet), Seth Cohen (Tracy), Amy Tamul (Paul), Marieka Brown (Jeanne Abkes), Kathy Balistreri (Mike) and 16 great grandchildren: Nick, Ethan, Emily, Isabel, Marla, Paul "PJ", Sophie, Kaila, Michael, Luke, Brooke, Leona, Liana, George, Claire, and Alicia. The family would like to thank her loving caregivers, including Leslie, Nancy, Natalia, Nancy, Luisa, Mary, Dorothy; and the caring staff of The Arbors of Del Rey. A memorial service celebrating her life will be held on Sunday, September 22 at 1 p.m. at Temple Beth El on 3980 Sonoma Springs Ave. If you are so inclined, in lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to La Casa at 800 S. Walnut St., 88001; PFLAG Las Cruces (Emily Cohen Endowment on memo line) c/o Lisa Willman, CPA, 1744 S. Triviz Dr., 88001; Temple Beth El at 3980 Sonoma Springs Ave, 88011; the Dona Ana Arts Council at 211 N. Downtown Mall, 88004; or the charity of your choice.