Ouita M. Cohen

Ouita Cohen Lakeland - Ouita Cohen, 91, of Lakeland, passed away peacefully at Good Shepherd Hospice House on March 4, 2015. Mrs. Cohen was born on November 9, 1923 in Auburndale, Florida. A native of Polk County, Ouita graduated from Lakeland High School. In 1944, she moved to Washington, D.C. to work for the U.S. Government during WWII. Ouita met her husband, Albert A. Cohen, after the war and they were married in 1950. For more than 30 years, they lived in Tacoma Park, Maryland. In 1979, Ouita retired from the U.S. Department of Treasury, where she received numerous acknowledgements for outstanding effort in the training programs within the department. Ouita and Al retired to Bradenton, Florida in 1982 where she was active in the local tennis club, enjoyed playing bridge with her friends, and was involved in the Bishop Planetarium at the South Florida Museum. In 1998, Ouita moved back to Lakeland. She kept playing Bridge and made the most of being close to her nieces, nephews, and their families. Ouita was a dynamic woman who lived her life with grace, love, determination, independence, and a great sense of humor. She loved to travel and shared her adventures with family and friends. Her zest for life and unwavering confidence set an amazing example for all that knew her. Ouita was preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, Albert A. Cohen. She is lovingly remembered by her nieces and nephews, including, Rose Harris (Monty) of Lakeland, Jack Hogan (Susan) of Goose Neck, SC, Carol O""Steen (Elwin) of Tallahassee, Ronnie Hogan (Jeannie) of Lakeland, Mary Jane DiLorenzo of Lakeland, Ginny Bless (Bob) of Lakeland, Jimmy Hogan (Nola) of Ellerslie, GA, Betty Sue Hogan of Lakeland, Becky Carroll (Tommy) of Bonaire, GA, as well as three additional generations of nieces and nephews, and her family of friends. The family will receive friends on Saturday, March 21, 2015 from 2-4 p.m. at the Tribute Center of Heath Funeral Chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Good Shepherd Hospice 320 West Main Street, Lakeland, FL 33815 or The Salvation Army, www.donate.salvationarmyusa.org. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.heathfuneralchapel.com Tribute Center at Heath Funeral Chapel Visitation: 03/21/2015 Tribute Center at Heath Funeral Chapel