The family of Kitty Cohen is deeply saddened to announce her passing on February 5, 2019 at the age of 106.

Remembering her with great love are her sisters Edith and Ida, beloved children Bernie (and Paul), Toronto: Shane (and Christine), Ottawa: Randy (and Anne), Montreal: six treasured grandchildren, Jordan, Tekeal, Robin, Kaelen, Hugo and Alice, as well as three wonderful great-grandchildren Mathieu, Nathan and Livia.

Born on December 28, 1912 in Midland, Ontario, Kitty eventually moved to Toronto in 1923 where she worked as a legal stenographer while raising a family. Every morning, Kitty awoke with thanks to the Lord for giving her another day. In recent years, she packed those days with activities including all manner of dancing, yoga, drumming and scrabble. She also chose to walk everywhere possible. “It’s good for the ticker,” she’d laugh.

Her yearning for learning also took her into the classroom, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree at the age of 60. She was a wordsmith known for her command of the English language and ability to ‘turn a phrase’. Her favourite book to read was the dictionary.

Early on, Kitty learned the importance of service to others. “It’s just the right thing to do,” she’d state. In her late nineties and early hundreds she participated in the Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation walks for cancer, raising thousands of dollars alongside other walkers who would often say, “If Kitty can do it, so can I”.

Her partnership with the Foundation led her to throw out the first pitch at a Toronto Blue Jays game at age 101, run the bases with the team’s manager at age 102, and earn her the Heart and Sole Award for her dedication to conquering cancer.

Kitty will be greatly missed by the many friends she made at The Baycrest Terraces, dancing groups, choirs, scrabble games and Shabbat services at synagogue.

May God bless the soul of this much-loved dynamo.

A celebration of life for Kitty Cohen will take place at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, February 12, 2019 at Steeles Memorial Chapel. Donations can be made to The Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation 416-946-6560 or The Baycrest Foundation 416-785-2875.