Dorothy Cohens father Sam founded Feldman Mortuary. After his untimely passing in 1937, Dorothys husband Aaron Cohen a handsome young man that all the girls at East High swooned over ran the mortuary for 41 years. Dorothys son Steve took his fathers place in 1980, and her grandson Jim now heads the mortuary. Throughout the generations, Dorothy Cohen has been an integral part of this unique business within the Jewish community. She died Monday at 95.
A repository of Denver Jewish history, Dorothy Cohen was the ultimate pragmatist. A 20-year-old newlywed when her father died, she managed the house, raised three children, kept the books. Aaron and I were close partners, in business and in the home, she told the IJN in July, 2011. Our love was mutual. In 1981, her daughter Nancy was killed in a car accident. That was the hardest thing in my life, Dorothy said. She was touched by death, the same as everyone she dealt with.
Although she watched the world evolve past her wildest imaginings, Dorothy Cohen found that family remained the one constant.
When we interviewed her for Generations magazine nine months ago, she was surprised that she was our focus. With a little coaxing, she opened her window on the past Feldman Mortuary; her parents Sam and Sadie; her marriage to Aaron, who died in 1993; and how a little humor went a long way. Dorothys favorite quote was, You have to play the cards youre dealt.
I realize Ive done my bit on this earth, and when the time comes Ill be ready. Her philosophy, her commitment, her sense of ownership in our community, will all be missed.
Copyright © 2012 by the Intermountain Jewish News
