Linda Kay Cohen

July 27, 1936 - October 2, 2023

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Lafayette Country Club

1500 S. 9th St

Lafayette, IN 4795

Wednesday 10/4, 12:00 pm - 2:30 pm

Temple Israel Cemetery

Montefore St

Lafayette, IN 47905

Wednesday 10/4, 10:30 am

Linda Kay Silver Cohen was born in Lafayette, Indiana on July 27, 1936 to Doris and Henry Silver. Linda attended Jefferson High School, class of 1954 and Indiana University, class of 1958. While at IU, she was chosen to chair the AWS Judicial Board, IU Foundation Board Steering Committee, and Mortar Board.

In 1958 she married Arnold “Arni” Cohen also of Lafayette. Arni predeceased her in 2002. She is also predeceased by her sister Joan Judelson. She is survived by her children Kurt Cohen (Jessica), Andrea Cohen (Lucy) and Bradley Cohen (Ann), grandchildren Jacob, Sarah, Ava, Aiden and Tyler and sister Margie Bluestein (Michael).

Linda was passionate about community service. In 1973 she became the first woman President of Temple Israel (the first in state of Indiana) three-time President of Temple Israel Sisterhood, President and Founding Member of Wabash Valley Hospital Auxiliary, National Board Member, Reform Jewish Women, and three-time Chair of the YWCA Foundation Board.

Linda was a board member of the Lafayette Junior Women’s Club, Family Services, Lafayette Community and Resource Center, Hanna Center, Duncan Hall, Planned Parenthood of Indiana, YWCA, Hadassah, and Vision 2020. She was a member of the Lafayette Art Museum, Hospital Auxiliaries, Symphony Guild, Indiana Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice, and the League of Women Voters.

In 2006, she was honored with the YWCA Win Hentschel Award, in 2007 was selected as the Woman of Wisdom by the YWCA, in 2015, the Tri-State Planned Parenthood Volunteer of the Year] and in 2019 a Indiana Jewish Historical Society Legend. She was also on the original Strategic Planning Committee for the City of West Lafayette. From 2002 to 2004, she was a West Lafayette City Counselor.

She loved reading, theater, mahjong, bridge, crosswords, throwing a great party and most of all, her family–immediate and extended. Linda was a trailblazer and passionate community advocate. She was a deeply loving person with a brilliant sense of humor. She will be deeply missed.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Temple Israel Foundation, 620 Cumberland Ave., West Lafayette, 47906, the YWCA, 605 N. 6^th St., Lafayette, 47901 or the charitable organization of your choice.

A graveside service will be held Wednesday October 4, 2023 at Temple Israel Cemetery in Lafayette. Followed by a celebration of Linda’s life at the Lafayette Country Club from 12:00pm to 2:30pm. You may leave condolences at www.soller-baker.com

Soller-Baker Funeral Homes, Inc.

Lana Payne Rankin and D.Tom Rankin

June Hoyer Altayeb

Theresa Fischer

Maralee Baumgardner

Linda Lowman

Lindsey Mickler

Karen Cooperider

Neda Cochran

Judy reinhardt

Cindy

Pam Smeltz-Elkin

Lafayette Country Club

1500 S. 9th St

Lafayette, IN 4795

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Wednesday 10/4, 12:00 pm - 2:30 pm

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Temple Israel Cemetery

Montefore St

Lafayette, IN 47905

Map

Wednesday 10/4, 10:30 am

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Dear Brad, Andrea, and Kurt, I was so sad to hear this. Every time I met your parents I had a great time. Intelligent, fascinating conversation and great senses of humor. When Carola met them (once in Indiana and once at Zac's Bar Mitzvah), she had the same experience. Love, your cousin Mitch

Please accept my delinquent condolences, Brad. I knew Linda when she and my mother were both residents at Westminster Village. She enlivened many of our morning coffee hours at the cafe with her cheerful smile and stories. My favorite story was that once, decades ago, when she and Arni were driving into Lafayette, she was surprised to see a billboard that said, "Meet you at Arni's!" She thought it was the worst advertising slogan she had ever heard -- but the REAL problem was that Arni hadn't told her about it before they started using it! In hindsight, she admitted that it really was an OK advertising slogan.

Linda was a class mate at Jefferson High School. My deepest condolence to her family.

Brad and family, so sorry for the loss of your Mother and Margie, condolences for the loss of your sister. She seemed to have been loved by many. You are all in our thoughts and Prayers.

So sorry for the loss of your Mom Brad. From a long time Arnis customer, Michele ans Kevin Borton

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

I am so very sorry to hear of Linda’s passing. She was a wonderful friend to my mother, Patsy Hoyer, and to me! I will never forget when she took me out for a lunch when I was going through a rough time. We had such fun, and she just made me feel so cared for. My thoughts are with her whole family.

Kurt, Andrea and Brad- Please accept my deepest condolences. I have many fond memories of "Aunt Linda" and times spent at Wiley Drive. I hope that the knowledge of your mom's love for you and your memories of her are a source of comfort to you now and in the future. Warmly, Stuart Ringel

We were very sad to learn of Linda's passing & wish to offer our condolences to her family & friends. We appreciated Linda's friendship when all of us lived at West Port. This generous hearted & dynamic woman was a treasure to the entire Lafayette commuity. All have been blessed by her presence. David & Nancy Moore

Dear Kurt, Andrea and Brad and Families, We are so sorry to hear about Linda's passing. She was always a force! But always with a smile on her face! She was our "Auntie Linda"! We will miss her and may her memory be a blessing! Sincerely, Estelle Ringel, Mark and Susan Ringel and Family

Thinking of you. Wrapping you all in hugs.

My thoughts are with your family. Linda was a wonderful role model and a pillar in the West Lafayette/Lafayette community. So vibrant and always had a big smile on her face to greet you. Sorry I was not able to be there in person, but you are in my thoughts.

My heart goes out to Linda’s family. She was such a delight to care for, she had a great sense of humor, a bright smile with beautiful eyes. She was very loved by all who cared for her, she will be deeply missed. What a wonderful family she has. I’m sure she’s dancing in heaven with Arnie May she test in peace, She will be never be forgotten, she touched so many hearts.Love you always Linda❤️❤️

I am so sorry to hear the passing of Linda. She was a wonderful lady. Very committed to our community.

In memory of Linda Kay Cohen, Maralee Baumgardner lit a candle

I am so sorry for your loss. I admired Linda greatly and will miss her.

My heart goes out to the Cohen and Silver families. Linda was a beautiful soul. She and my mom Connie Lux shared great times at Westminster. I attended the 2022 Mothers Tea with Linda, my mom, and my sister Susie. Linda loved telling me how when her sister Joannie and my mother were in high school, they would go behind her back and try on her clothes when she wasn't home. They didn't hang any of the clothes back in the closet when they were through; they just laid the clothes on Linda's bed. My mom laughed so hard when Linda told that story because it was 100% true! My favorite memory of Linda was when we played "Name that Tune" at Westminster. When on jazzy song was played, Linda sang all the words, which started like this: 5 foot 2, eyes of blue...." The song seemed to fit her to a tee with her diminutive stature and bright blue eyes. I will miss Linda. She was a bright star! Nina Brahm

Thinking of you all at this time.

Linda came in the dry cleaners where I worked she was the most interesting person she explained some of the Jewish customs and language

In memory of Linda Kay Cohen, Linda Lowman lit a candle

Brad, So sorry to read of your mother's death. May she rest in peace. Sharon

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

My sincere sympathy to the Cohen family. Linda was a special person who will be remembered fondly.

A matriarch of your family and a pillar of our community. May her memory live on through her many acts of love and service to both family and community.

Brad - Our condolences, thinking of you and your family.

I came to know Linda through the YWCA. Her laughter and giving spirit became a special part of my life. She and the other “Hot Chicks” and I spent many hours discussing the ways of the world, all while enjoying fine foods and wine. She will always have a special place in my heart and I will remember her wit and compassion with love.

In memory of Linda Kay Cohen, Karen Cooperider lit a candle

Extending my sympathy to the Cohen family. I witnessed Linda’s grace, kindness and leadership in our community during my years in banking. She was a role model.

Linda was a loving woman with a soul that shined very brightly! My mother loved Linda and Arni so very much! Kurt, Andrea, and Brad as well! I am so sorry for your loss! Linda will be remembered with love!

In memory of Linda Kay Cohen, Judy reinhardt lit a candle

My deepest condolences to the Cohen family for their loss. Linda was such a joy to be around and her beauty shined inside and out. ?

Our deepest condolences to you all. Linda was one in a million and leaves a legacy of commitment and caring for her family and community.

My sincere condolences to Margie and the Cohen family.

Brad - We extend our sincerest condolences to you and your family on the loss of your mother. Rich & Suzanne Rudman

We wish all the family our love and condolences at this difficult time. Jim and Pat Altepeter

The Board and Staff of Lafayette Urban Ministry wish to extend our sincerest condolences to Linda's' children, grandchildren, sister, and extended family and friends. May God hold all of you in the palm of His hand.

I have fun memories. of. Linda(The Fashion Lady) My condolences to the Cohen Family. With Love. Stella Almanza

Brad, just wanted to say Larry and I are sorry to hear about your mom. Prayers to you and your family

In memory of Linda Kay Cohen, Pam Smeltz-Elkin lit a candle

Linda will be sorely missed. Impacting the community defined her life. She always had creative solutions to problems.

Sorry to hear of your loss Kurt. Prayers for you and your family during this difficult time. ??

I’m sending heartfelt condolences to the Cohen family. Linda was a matriarch of our Jewish community throughout my childhood. She was always so much fun to be around - with that amazing smile and twinkle in her eye, she made you feel like a million bucks. May her memory be a blessing.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Condolences to the entire Cohen Family!

Linda, years ago you told me you wanted to make the world a better place. You achieved that, and more. Thank you for all you have done and for serving as a role model for so many. Your love endures.

Linda was an amazing pioneering woman! She was an inspiration to myself and many others in the community! She was upfront, outspoken and gracious. She and my mom (Lois Stein) were often mistakenly thought to be sisters. They weren’t directly related but we were proud to be cousins through Arni. Linda. You will be missed!

With my mom Marlene Kaye, and my wife Mindy, we all share a memorable but different connection to Linda that has spanned many years. My mom knew Linda in college, my wife has worked with Linda on community projects, and I have worked at Arni's for several years. All who knew Linda, feels the great loss of her passing.

zichrona l’bracha (זכרונה לבּרכה). May her memory be a blessing Linda was so wonderful to us when we came to west lafayette many years go and truly made us feel welcome she will be missed.

Cohen family, we are so sorry for your loss, our heart and prayers are with you all.

Kurt, Andrea, and Brad : Linda was a wonderful Friend and we will miss her dearly. May she Rest In Peace. Mary & Dave Ryan

Brad, Sorry for your loss! Matt Wagner

May you RIP Linda. You were such an amazing lady and will be missed by many.

My sympathies to the entire Cohen family. She taught me so much about giving your time, talent and treasures to others. This is a loss for the entire Greater Lafayette community.

My condolences to the Cohen family on the passing of Linda. Words can't describe how I feel about your loss. May Linda's memory be forever a blessing. Love, Michael Wolinsky

I’m sorry for your loss. She will definitely be missed. Always love hearing stories of your mom and dad

So very sorry for your loss

Brad, Ann and Family please accept my sincerest condolences. She was a great lady and a great friend to all who knew her.

My sincerest condolences to Linda’s family and friends. Her warm and gentle personality will be missed by all of us.

Brad, Ann and Family condolences for the loss of Linda who was a dear YWCA friend for many, many years!

Dear Brad, Ann and Family, Please accept our sincere condolences for your loss. Wishing you all comfort and peace during this difficult time.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.