Lois Cohn – In Memoriam

The College for Creative Studies mourns the loss of Lois P. Cohn, trustee since 2008.  Lois passed away on May 9, 2024 at the age of 91.

Lois brought her remarkable background in the arts, both as a collector and as an entrepreneur, in service to CCS as a trustee. In addition to utilizing her historic home in Birmingham as a backdrop for her own artworks and an extensive art collection, Lois owned Artspace II, a Birmingham Michigan gallery specializing in high-quality artwork, which she operated for over three decades. Lois established connections with local collectors and stayed informed about fine art auctions nationwide. In 2019, her expertise and commitment to the arts were recognized when she was appointed as Sotheby’s exclusive consultant in Michigan.

Beyond her involvement in the art world and service to CCS, Lois made significant contributions to her community. Her multifaceted career included roles as an educator, broadcast personality, public defender coordinator, and leadership volunteer. In 2014, Lois, along with her late husband Judge Avern L. Cohn, was honored with the Activist Award from the Jewish Community Relations Council.

“Lois Cohn was a wonderful Trustee who was passionately devoted to CCS’s mission.  With her sharp intellect, she always asked thought-provoking questions and gave valuable advice that contributed to the Board’s effectiveness and the College’s success,” said Richard Rogers, CCS President Emeritus. “She was generous and kind, and I benefited greatly from her support and encouragement. I loved working with her.”

“Lois was a sincere, committed and engaged trustee who rarely missed a meeting,” added Don Tuski, CCS President. “I will miss her good questions and am saddened by her loss. Our sincerest condolences to her entire family.”

Lois was the beloved wife of the late Judge Avern Cohn, the late Benjamin Frank, and the late Max Pincus. She was the cherished mother of Lisa (Kent Kleinman) Pincus and Julie Pincus,  the dear sister of Claire (the late Dan Carlevaro), and the loving stepmother of Leslie Magy, Tom Cohn, Barbara Cohn, and the late Sheldon Cohn. In addition to these family members, she is survived by 9 step-grandchildren and 3 step-great grandchildren. She will be remembered by the countless others whose lives she touched with her irresistible charm, energy, and spirit.

For those who wish to honor Lois’s memory, contributions can be made to the Lois Cohn Scholarship for Fine Arts at the College for Creative Studies, Alternatives for Girls, and the Lois Pincus Cohn Fund at the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan.