Realtor, clothier Evelyn G. Cohn is laid to rest

EVELYN GORDON COHN, a realtor and former clothing retailer, passed away Thursday evening, April 14,  at her New Orleans home with her children by her side. She was 83.

Cohn was born into a family with an established New Orleans clothing business called The Tall Shop. From that initial store she opened a chain of stores specializing in women’s clothing called Evelyn’s Talls & Stouts. The stores later became known simply as Evelyn’s. With the success of her retail establishments assured, Cohn earned a realty license in 1969 and became associated with Gardner Realtors where she established sales as a “Million Dollar Club Realtor.”

An avid and voracious reader, she loved her Book Club and being involved with her many friends. A seasoned traveler, Cohn loved to travel both domestically and internationally.

A native of Bruce, Mississippi, she grew up in Baton Rouge, the daughter of retail clothing merchants. Prior to assuming her duties with the family store, she attended Sophie Newcomb College. It was at Tulane University where she met her future husband, Mayer Lawrence Cohn of blessed memory. That marriage ended in divorce.

Cohn was a member of Congregation Gates of Prayer.

She is survived by her children Stephen Lloyd Cohn (Tsipora), Donna Cohn Horowitz (Dr. Peter), David Mark Cohn (Ann)  and Lisa Gayle Cohn; step-children Tova H. Buller and Tessa H. Powers; five grandchildren, and a great granddaughter.

Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon, April 17 at Gates of Prayer Synagogue, 400 W. Esplanade Avenue at 2:00 pm. A graveside service followed immediately in Gates of Prayer Cemetery, (Joseph Street). Rabbi Robert Loewy officiated.

Arrangements were by Tharp-Sontheimer-Tharp Funeral Home, 1600 N. Causeway Blvd.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to the Jewish Family Service of Greater New Orleans, the American Cancer Society, or the Arthritis Foundation.