Arlene Cohen was born to Israel and Rose Cohen (Baskin) December 10, 1935 in the Bronx New York.

She was the youngest child, following Joshua and Edith.

Arlene graduated from City College in 1957 with a Bachelor of Science.

From her daughter Elissa:

“My mother was one of the strongest people I knew. Truly a fierce fighter and a serial survivor. She was one of the first 6 women allowed to study science at City College and the reaction of male students was dismissive bordering on abusive at times. But she graduated top of her class and was accepted into medical school - she was told by many her going would destroy others - she’d be taking away a man’s livelihood. In the end she didn’t go, instead she worked and paid my father’s medical school tuition. She helped run a chemistry department, published international papers, and then followed the so called dream of being a wife and mother. She survived some of the hardest things people live through and went on  to reinvent her life and travel the world. She’s had health setbacks the past few years that would have stopped some in their tracks but she still played mah jongg twice a week.”

Arlene loved her pets- she is preceded in transitioning by Smokey, Candy, Flair and Joy.

She is survived by Merry, her beloved white fluffy dog.

Arlene loved mah jong, jewelry, shopping, cruising, and travel. She adored Boggle, and cross word puzzles.  She enjoyed playing classical music on the piano. 

Arlene loved listening to her favorite songs on her iPad, and cuddling up under her soft blanket with her dog Merry. (Her favorite music included classical, opera, show tunes) 

She enjoyed scrolling through Facebook and Instagram, to find out what friends and family were up to. She liked knowing the latest goings on.  She liked Words with Friends, and watching various videos that would pop up.

Arlene loved handbags and matching shoes. She  enjoyed  buying  Estée Lauder, Lancôme and Clinique makeup, with a gift with purchase. She did not enjoy being seen without her “hair done”. Every Friday saw her at the “beauty parlor”.

Arlene loved “Dancing With the Stars” and HSN.  

She loved red cherries, and fresh peas. She also loved food her kids did not  appreciate, some traditional Jewish fare (think gefilte fish) 

Arlene thought her son’s hair was too long, and didn’t appreciate body art.  She had a few other critiques for her other kids, in typical Jewish mother fashion! 

She loved to make cheesecakes, and baking. She made amazing chocolate masterpieces.

 Arlene was an avid reader, loving mystery novels. She thought butterflies were beautiful, and she had collected a lot of Lladro statues. 

Survivors include her husband, Gerald Kornblum; son, David Jonathan (Teresa) Stein; daughters, Elissa Ann (John Lichtenstein) Stein and Erica Lynn Stein (Kevin) 

Step son Scott Kornblum (Brenda) step-daughters, Fran Kornblum and Sandrea Kornblum; grandchildren, Isabel and Jack Lichtenstein; step-grandchildren, Ray Green and Logan Kornblum; 4  step great-grandchildren, her niece, nephews, grand nieces , grande nephews, and cousins.  Several grand dogs and two grand cats. Her assistant and family member Micheline Filias.

(Her favorite of her daughter Erica’s multiple chihuahuas  were Chester and Barlow Stein)

Also , the mah jongg ladies. 

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