Eulogy for Jill Cohen
8/14/2016
Jill and I met in 1992, she newly arrived in Seattle to take
a job at the JCC and me returning from Arizona.
We could never quite remember where we met but it really didn’t matter.
We could tell we were kindred spirits sharing many of the same loves: Israel and Jewish traditions, dancing, good
dark chocolate, good musicals and singing along with the stars, and of course
our favorite color- Purple.
I remember Jill loved saying her job at the Jewish Community
Center- was to put the “J” in the JCC.
She was so proud of bringing Jewish content and activities
to the community. It gave her a wonderful sense of accomplishment. This commitment to Judaism continued-when she
worked for Hadassah, become our shul president , leading Yizkor and musaf
services, and welcoming all into her home for a meal.
When she left the JCC, her next job was at NWAF- to do
fundraising- Jill did not see herself as a fundraiser at the time, but like all
challenges, she took it on with gusto
and a determined spirit- and of course did amazing. She even managed to convince me to go on their
board when they wanted a female doctor.
She encouraged me to try out for Radost Folk Ensemble, even
though I had only performed Israeli folkdancing. Her comment was “a grapevine
step is a grapevine step, the same in any folkdance language”. So, of course, I listened to her sage advice
and became part of the dance troupe.
And I was present on that auspicious day- Sukkot 1994- when
Jill met Rik, and Rik met Jill for the first time. Rik was so smitten with Jill
he asked her out to a movie for that same night. Jill turned right around and asked Debbie and
I do go with her (on their date!!). Debbie had baby Joshua so declined, but I
went with them. It was one of the most
uncomfortable movie times I ever had- Rik sandwiched in between Jill and I.
Trying to hold her hand but she would have none of that…yet. Rik was not to be deterred however and came
for Shabbat at my house (where Jill would be as well) the next Friday. He
brought 2 huge bouquets of flowers- I am sure trying to impress Jill. (coincidentally
it was the same Shabbat I met my future husband Michael) Well, the flowers
obviously worked, as she agreed to go out the next day on their second date.
Thankfully, I was not invited to that one.
We all know that the date lasted 12 hours. Jill came into Radost practice the next
morning and while melting to the ground declared “I’m in love!!”. 18 days later (and Jill loved the number
18) they were engaged. A few months
later they were married- Jill wearing her mothers wedding dress and her red
dancing cowboy boots.
I have lots more stories to tell, but there simply isn’t
time
So I’ll put the remainder of my thoughts, to these few
simple rhymes
Jill did so many amazing things, but these I remember most
Listening to her sing with Dunava, dancing with her in
Radost
Sharing Jewish holidays as framily, and scores of yummy
Shabbat dinners
Getting together on New Years Day, to determine the
prediction winners
Watching Broadway musicals, and singing the show tunes
Talking about the books we read, for Jill really loved Dune
Never wanting pity parties, or being defined by her disease
Having a rowdy Bagel-off , hearing of her travels overseas
Laughing, dancing, and eating alot, even shedding a few
tears
You made our world a better place, just by being here
So my dear friend, though now we are worlds apart
Those memories will never fade, I will always carry them
right here in my heart.
And the second one:
During Jill and Rik’s wedding reception, the Radost Folk
Ensemble, in full costume, entered the room, carrying lime jello and singing a
beautiful song about a dark-eyed maiden.
Jill and I met in Radost, and had a great time
performing together. She lights up the
stage with her energy and talent. She
was also especially proud to perform with the Dunava Women’s Balkan Choir, and
you can hear her yips and her distinctive voice on their CDs.
As you heard, Jill made a point to celebrate Succot, and
this played an important part in my family’s life. As soon as my sons were big enough, I got
them over to Jill and Rik’s house each year to help put up the frame, and place
the schach (Jill loved to say that word!).
Jill got such a kick out of decorating the Succah each
year – She called it Christmas for Jews.
She kept boxes in the garage, full of decorations that friends and their
children brought over the years.
Jill would open each box and look for familiar
decorations – “There’s Mr. Corn, and Gumby Asparagus! Where are Ms. Tulip and the purple
flowers? We’re missing a box – Rik –
check the garage! We need the little
windchimes and the Mizrach.” We always
found them.
Then, each year, she had a big party with lulav and
etrog and lots of food. Every year she
took a picture of all of her guests in the Succah.
Jill helped make a warm Jewish home for my
children. We shared many Shabbat
and holiday meals over the years.
We traded off leading Passover seders, with our little
group of friends, although in recent years I played the support role so she
could lead.
This year, she meticulously planned decorations for the
seder table, complete with dolls as Moses, Aaron and Miriam, a doll house with
blood on the doorposts, and a calf she painted gold.
And then there is the White Meal. You know how Jill loved to cook and how good
she was at it. When Jill realized how
much I like white food, she started brainstorming different white foods to make
a whole meal – Cauliflower, cucumbers, white fish, semolina, mochi cake, even
white tea.
Somehow, the White Meal became a Yom Kippur tradition,
(maybe to match our white clothing) which has stuck for many years!
We all know Jill for her intelligence, talent, and
beauty. We also know how strong a
fighter she has been. Those of you who
were at her amazing metsaversary celebration last year have heard my son
Aaron’s take on her already. Here is
what he said:
Jill is a warrior.
When g-d gave her lemons, she didn’t make lemonade. She threw them back and demanded chocolate!
Posts
