JEN COHEN (SIMKIN)

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JEN COHEN (nee SIMKIN) Peacefully, in her own home and with her family by her side, Jen Cohen passed away on December 21, 2010, at the age of 100. Jen is survived by her children, Jerry (Susan), Em, Barbara (Robert), Saralyn (Jim); her brother Abe; seven grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and many loving nieces, nephews and their families. She was predeceased by her parents, Samuel and Fanny Simkin; her husband, Sam Cohen; her sister, Clara Erlichman (Joe); her brothers, Jim (Lille), Saul (Claribel), Blackie (Jean), and her sister-in-law Fan, wife of Abe. Born in Winnipeg in 1910, Jen was a dynamic woman who will be remembered for her work ethic, her generosity and, above all, her commitment to family. She was a true ayshet chayil, a woman of valour. Her passion for family first manifested itself as a young teen when she left school to take a job in Winnipeg so she could help support the family farm in Pine Ridge. It was in Winnipeg where she met Sam Cohen and the two were married in 1933. Together, Jen and Sam built a home that was based on Jewish values and served as a magnet for family and friends. After Sam's untimely passing in 1969, Jen turned her attention to her work and to the needs of her children and grandchildren. There was nothing Jen wouldn't do for them. She was generous with time, with gifts, with wisdom, and with hard work. She travelled frequently to Israel to be an involved Savta, and stayed in Winnipeg where she was an equally engaged Bobi. She loved to be busy and even in later years, when limited by dementia, she would often say, I want a job. In September of this year, just three months before her passing, Jen gave her family one final, remarkable gift. Despite failing health, she emerged from her room with a sparkle in her eye to celebrate her 100th birthday at a party held in her honour. With energy not seen for months, Jen smiled, greeted guests, clapped, sang, and danced as her loving family showered her with affection. Once again, Jen's home was bursting with people and with joy. Funeral services were led by Rabbi Lander on December 23 at Congregation Etz Chayim. Pallbearers were her sons-in-law Jim Greenblatt and Robert Hyman; and her grandchildren, Yehoshua Greenblatt, Shmuel Greenblatt, Sheppy Coodin, and Stuart Slayen. The family extends its deep gratitude to Jen's long-time caregivers - Elena, Maggie, Syd, Mila and Cynthia - whose loving, attentive care allowed Jen to fulfill her wish of staying in her own home. May her memory be a blessing.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 31, 2010