Elaine Ruth Cohen, 84, of Overland Park, passed away Thursday, March 29, 2012, at Benchmark of Lee’s Summit.

Graveside services were held Sunday, April 1, at Rose Hill Cemetery. The family suggests contributions to The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah, 12320 Nall, Overland Park, KS 66209.

Mrs. Cohen was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., and moved to the Kansas City area where she married her childhood sweetheart, Irv Cohen, in 1948.

In 1963, Mrs. Cohen went to work for JC Penney in their credit office, and retired in 1993.

Mrs. Cohen was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

Known for her colorful trademark hats, she loved to swim, boat and camp. She and Irving traveled a great deal, especially cruises, after retiring. She also cared for Irv after his health failed.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 63 years, Irving Cohen, in 2011; her sister, Edith Helicher; and her brother, Sam Sircus.

Mrs. Cohen is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Lynne and Steven Valenziano, Greenwood, Mo.; son and daughter-in-law, Mitchel and Bonnie Cohen, McKinney, Texas; grandchildren, Anthony Valenziano and Andrew Cohen; and great-grandchildren, Joseph and Richard Valenziano.

An online guest book is available at www.louismemorialchapel.com.

Arr: The Louis Memorial Chapel, 816-361-5211.