Helen Kogen Obituary

A bit late to the guest book party, but my Aunt Helen would have chuckled, laughed at me and exclaimed "better late than never"! My memories of Aunt Helen include so much warmth, spontaneity, joyfulness and energy. I remember and treasure our visits to the Kogen's home in Evanston...always a special treat with Oliver the dog, black and white tiled floors, TAB cola and Aunt Helen laughing, playing the piano and making merry. Animal print accessories will always remind me of Helen and I still proudly wear a pair of her earrings that were given to me after her death. I wish you health and joy Helen (in your next adventure)...you always will be missed, but the memories are bright and clear!

I only recently found out about Helen's passing...it's been 2 months! I have known her as a regular customer at the restaurant where I work and from the Michigan Shores Club in Wilmette. I have the fondest memories of she and her husband and friends really just enjoying life. I was always so pleased to see her, she had an incredible memory and always asked about my husband whom she had met only once. Always a lady with a true love of life, she was a role model to me. I will miss her visits. My deepest sympathy to all of those close to her.

I would like to thank all of our family and friends who have extended their warmth and love during this difficult time. All your stories are so treasured, I cannot even describe how comforting it is to have these.



It's been a month since my mother passed from this world and only now can I even imagine putting anything about her into words. There are so many memories. Everyone knows that my mom did things with a flair and signature truly her own. One year, when I was about 8, she bought my dad a dog for his birthday. Oliver wasn't just any dog...he was a huge Old English Sheepdog who slobbered and jumped up on people and required a good amount of walking, (which, of course, dad and peter mostly did). I remember she put a big red bow around his neck and my father's look of shock when he walked in from work and saw his birthday present!



Mom was a stylish, energetic, creative grandmother, giving unconditional love so freely to Hadley and Dylan, just as grandmothers should. They had a rich and loving relationship because she related so well with them, encouraging their imaginations and their sweet tooths!... They are greatly missing her now. Recently, she and dad were babystitting, I came into the house to find mom sitting at the piano playing "Easter Parade" with both kids dancing in scarf and hat costumes to her music. They were all having such a great time together in their own special world. She had special nicknames for them, as she did for us all. I am so grateful for these memories and the music that she gave us all. With love,

My Mom, Sally Breit, and I were with Cheez when she walked in the Daisy Chain at National College in Evanston. My Mom by her side and me in my Mom's stomach waiting to greet the world in a few more months. I think even from the womb I could sense Cheez's warm and humanity. While spending my first years in Evanston, I got to know Cheez and Jim and eventually Peter, Ann, and Jenny. Even though I was young, I vividly remember the Jimmy Durante improvs on the piano, her big warm smile, and twinkling eyes. As the years passed and my family moved to California, I remembered the Kogens...so warmly. When I moved back to Chicago and saw them again it was as if nothing had changed. Although I didn't see her often, when I did it was like seeing family. I think a big part of this was because of the love Cheez had for my parents, Mike and Sally Breit. We were lucky enough last November to reunite with Jim and Cheez at Hackney's for a beautiful meal together. I won't forget that day, just as I will never forget that cute ball of positive energy and love named Cheez. Thanks for the way you touched me and my family. I will surely miss you, Cheez. All my love to Jim, Peter, Ann and Jenny.

When my sister-in law Helen took her leave of us the day before the horrible events of Sept 11, she chose wisely.She left a happier world than the one in which we now live. As a result of that terrible day, I was unable to be present to say a final farewell to Helen and be at my brother's side. This was very frustrating for me, but considering the personal tragedies so many people have suffered, it

seems ridiculous to complain. It just makes me very sad.

I have known Helen for almost half a century. We spent many happy hours together at holidays and family occasions. I was the Best Man at her wedding, and my own wedding ceremony was conducted in her living room on Hawthorne Lane.

Last year Helen came out to Oregon to attend the wedding of my daughter, even though it was physically exhausting for her to do so. That was the last extended trip Helen ever took, and I am so grateful that she was able to be with us on that happy eccasion.

Anyone who ever met Helen could not have helped being impressed by her spirit and spontaneity. We will

all miss her physical presense among us, but her indomitable spirit

will remain with us forever.

Goodbye Cheez. Keep smilin'.

I was saddened to hear of the

passing of Mrs. Kogen. I remember her well from my childhood, as I was a good friend of Jenny's. Mrs.

Kogen would often join us for afternoon chats in her wonderful kitchen. I loved her lively company.

What a welcoming person she always was.

The last time I saw her was at Davis Street Fishmarket. She and Mr. Kogen seemed so happy and content.

My thoughts are with you all

Mary

I did not know Helen very well, but have been friends with her son-in-law Brian and daughter Ann for quite some time. The last time I saw/talked with her was on a gig I was doing in the Chicago area (Brian was also on the gig) a few years back. She was incredibly funny and was humorously intrigued by my "musician slang". We laughed and enjoyed the evening.

I know she will be missed by all who knew her. I hope she is as happy where she is now as she was then. All my sympathy to family and friends.

... A quote from the Memorial card for my mom.



"Grieve not...

Nor speak of me

With tears...

But laugh

And talk of me

As though I were

Beside you.

I loved you so...

'Twas heaven

Here with you"



Thanks to all who have been so loving and supportive of our family during this time. Jen

I think it unusual to know Helen, mother of Ann my sister-in-law, as I have been fortunate to know her. There was rarely a time that my family has been out visit Brian and Ann that we did not also see Helen and Jim. We enjoyed their company every time we saw them.



Helen (and Jim) always embraced us as family. My kids, always loved seeing her and frequently she took them with her for special times and treats. When you were Helen's guest you got the royal treatment. It was put very well said in another rememberance that one of the many things that was so special about Helen was her true interest in and empathy with others.



My family and I will miss her but we will be ever bouyed by our fond memories.

Helen, my loss that we never met. But I do know your daughter, my good friend Jenny, who I admire and love. You did a great job there. So sorry I missed you.

Namaste to you, Helen. Travel well. Sending love your way.



Stephen E. Keyes

Helen and Jim Kogen were very close friends of my parents, Joe and Toni Enenbach. We saw them a lot when we were kids. They both made a big impression on me because they always talked to me and were actually interested in what I had to say. As a kid, I guess being listened to is what you really want and remember. We (my five brothers and sisters and I) loved visiting their big house in Evanston and listening to Helen play her baby grand piano. Helen had a wonderful sense of humor and a true gift for music. Helen will always be remembered by my family as we reminisce about the old days.



Dawn Enenbach

Irvine, CA

"Cheez", I offer one of my best compliments.......you were a great conversationalist. I had the privelege of passing a little time with Helen and enjoying a free ranging conversation with her. I didn't have the opportunity to know her personally for very long, but, I did get to know her better through her daughter Jenny. I know she's going to be missed very much by her family and friends.

I have known Cheez since I was a litle girl. She was one of my mother's friend from high school and was my sister's godmother. She always made gatherings so much fun with her wonderful piano playing, her great love of music and joie de vivre.

She will be missed, but never forgotten.

I met Mrs. Kogen only once, but I feel I know her well through her daughter, Jenny, who talked about her often. I remember Jenny's mom as an elegant, intelligent woman who wasn't afraid to speak her mind. I know she will be missed by her family and all who knew her. My condolences to her husband and children.

She was my GodMother and I'll truly miss her. A very special person to me and my family.

We will deeply miss "Cheez" Kogen. Also known as Helen, Grandma Cheez, or just plain Cheez. She has given me and my 5-year-old son (Luke) so many laughs and memories. Her latest that arrived in the mail was the fabulous kids book "The Adventures of Captain Underpants". It was hoot for child and adult alike.

Cheez was the best "raver" in the world. I never tired and always loved listening to her compliments about my chocolate-carmel brownies. I just loved making them for her.

Chez was a very generous person and had a huge zany heart. I have a hard time using the word "was" with Helen "Cheez" Kogen. She will always live on in my heart and soul. We love you Cheez!!!

Love, Tami and Luke Fortney

I loved Helen. She was a connection with my mom. She was the mother of two of my best friends. And she was a wonderful friend to Max. She was so funny and stylish (she had wonderful taste...) and so unpretentious...you could talk to her about *any* thing.

I miss her now and always.

Cheez and I became good friends during the last year. I will miss her comeroderie, support and great sense of humor.