Lois Cohodas

Lois Cohodas infused her ardent love of living into her 105-1/2 years until she drew her last breath on May 18th, 2023.

She had an unquenchable thirst for life. Each person she encountered experienced her light-filled smile and twinkling eyes, as she made them feel special, no matter their station in life.

Although she lost her father as a teenager, her mighty resilience and positive outlook served her well as a remarkable wife of 76 years to her beloved Willard (Bill), as well as a generous mother to Lynn Stahl (Rabbi Samuel) and Nancy Oberman (Paul). She relished her role as grandmother to Heather Katz (Jeffrey), Alisa Cimmino (Marco), Benjamin Oberman (Dr. Melina Jampolis), and Jordana Oberman (Jason Whitton) and treasured her 9 great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her husband, Willard (Bill); her parents, Frieda and Leo Wenk; and her brother, Jerome Wenk.

Lois attracted myriads of friends of all ages, evidenced by her impressive ability to “bloom wherever she was planted.”

She spent the first 22 years of her life in Chicago, enjoyed two years at Carleton College and then graduated from the University of Chicago.

After her marriage in 1939, she immediately adapted to small-town living, first in Appleton, Wisconsin, followed by 38 years in Ishpeming and 34 years in Marquette in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. During those years, she distinguished herself as a devoted mother, a consummate volunteer, an unparalleled hostess, and a passionate supporter of the arts. Whether it was opera, theater, ballet, symphony or the visual arts, she was thrilled with each performance or exhibition. Her 60-plus winters in Sarasota, Florida, nourished her soul and fulfilled her love for the arts, bringing many wonderful new friends into her life, as well.

Lois was current, current in her style, current in her conversation, and current in her interests. During her last ten years, while living in San Antonio, she once again, was a magnet for all those she encountered and even voted in her last election following her 105th birthday!

Lois thrived during her final 10 years, living at Adante in San Antonio, Texas. Their loving community embraced both Lois and Bill when they moved to San Antonio and supported Lois after her beloved Bill passed away. Furthermore, the quality of her life was significantly enhanced by the devoted and loving aides who became her companions, best friends and care givers. Lois’s entire family is greatly indebted to Avionn, and specifically Vesta and Debbie, who treated her as they would their own mother. Dr. Michael Lichtenstein was the consummate physician whose tender care and exquisite medical knowledge certainly contributed to the quality of life she experienced in her final decade of life.

Lois’s family continue to celebrate all that she modeled for them in caring for “the other.” Near the end of her life when she could no longer see, her cognition seemed to become crystal clear. The planet was brighter with Lois’s smile, which illuminated the hearts of all whose lives she touched!

Burial will take place at Montefiore Cemetery in Marinette, Wisconsin on Tuesday, May 23rd. A memorial service will be held at Temple Beth-El in San Antonio on Sunday, July 23rd, at 1:30 pm. and in Denver in June, at a date to be determined.

In memory of Lois, donations can be made to: Temple Beth-El, 211 Belknap, San Antonio, TX 78212, Temple Beth Sholom, P.O Box 482, Marquette, MI 49855, The Denver Center for the Performing Arts: “the Denver Center – Colorado New Play Summit”, 1101 13th St, Denver, CO 80204, attn: Development Office, Planned Parenthood.

You are invited to sign the Guestbook at www.porterloring.com.

Arrangements with Porter Loring Mortuary, 1101 McCullough Ave., San Antonio, TX 78212 (210) 227-8221.