[Editor’s Note: Dr. Cohen knows whereof she writes. Twenty-three years ago last month, her younger daughter Liana, 18 years old, was killed by a drunk driver while returning home from Friday night synagogue services.]
I would like to dedicate my three-part essay that will start on Friday to the memory of our dear Diane Agate, the late wife of publisher Ari Noonan.
It was with such deep emotion that I received the sad news of her death 41 days ago while I was travelling abroad.
Immediately, Diane’s kind face, our many conversations at my home and elsewhere, her suggestions and her thoughtful encouragements came to me while I was waiting for my flight in the airport at Vienna.
I remembered our last conversation not so long ago on a Sunday evening in our backyard.
How peacefully Diane explained her situation. Her words, her calm face stayed with me during my long flight.
I know that her absence is very difficult for Ari and her family members to bear, especially during these four weeks of Jewish holidays — and for a long time after.
We do not, however, have much choice in such a situation. We must continue our lives the best that we can.
We have to become the friend of the Angel of Death — to let him know that he does not have the last word.
If we still are here, probably it is because we have not finished our tasks.
It always is sad to lose a dear one. We have to give the departed their peace of spirit through prayers and by continuing our responsibilities and good deeds.
May this New Year bring comfort and peace to everyone and courage to my friend Ari to continue his amazing work and journey in this world.
I always will keep Diane’s memory.
I am thankful that I had the opportunity to have her in our house, not knowing that it was going to be the final time.
Still I feel honored and thankful that we were able to get together and, like always, exchange elevating conversations that I will hold dearly.
May her memory be blessing for her dear ones. Shana Tova (a Good Year) to everyone.
Dr. Rosemary Hartounian Cohen, who lives in the Fairfax District, received her Ph.D in sociology from the Sorbonne in Paris. She lived in two other countries before moving, with her husband and four children, to Los Angeles in 1984. She has published four books in America. Since 1985, she has operated Atelier de Paris, an international art business, on Robertson Boulevard. Her email address is Rosemary@atelierdeparis.com.
