Obituary: Sylvia Cohodas

Sylvia Cohodas, 93, of Longboat Key, died Feb. 18.

Born March 23, 1921, Mrs. Cohodas graduated from Ishpeming High School and earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Michigan in 1942. She married Arnold Cohodas in 1943, and the couple had two children, Howard and Nadine.

Mrs. Cohodas was a founding member of Temple Beth Sholom, in Ishpeming, Mich., and a member of its first choir.

Ms. Cohodas moved permanently in 1994 to Longboat Key and often said the cultural climate here was as lovely as the actual climate. She loved the arts and took advantage of all that was offered and happily supported various local cultural organizations.

She was a member of Temple Beth Israel and proudly celebrated her bat mitzvah as an adult in May 1997. Music was central to her life, and she shared her enthusiasm with all who knew her. Her favorite song was “Begin the Beguine,” for which the sheet music remained on her piano until her last day.

Mrs. Cohodas was preceded in death by her husband, Arnold, in 1987. She is survived by children Howard and Nadine; brother, Edward Casper; and several nieces and nephews.

A private family service was held Feb. 23, in Marinette, Wis.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, 580 McIntosh Road, Sarasota FL 34234; Temple Beth Sholom, P.O. Box 482, Marquette, MI 49855; or Planned Parenthood of Marquette, 1219 N. Third St., Marquette, MI 49855.