Olivia Cohen

Olivia Taylor Cohen was born on October 3, 1960, in Pinehurst, NC. Her parents were Charles Claude "Buck" Taylor and Lucille Williams Taylor, both preceded her in death. She is survived by her husband, Steven Cohen; her sister, Deborah Taylor; and her daughter, Claudia Cohen.

Olivia attended Richmond County schools, graduating from Richmond Senior High in 1979. She was chosen by the faculty as an Outstanding Senior. She continued her education and received an Associate of Arts degree from Peace College in 1981 and a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1983. After graduation, Olivia used her history degree and worked in Colonial Williamsburg as an interpreter at various historic sites. She later attended paralegal school in Atlanta. Olivia worked as a paralegal until shortly before she married Steve, at which point she became a homemaker, and, a year later, a mom.

Growing up in Rockingham, Olivia loved her pets. This love led her to her passion as a tireless advocate for animal welfare. In addition to her years of service at The Humane Society, Olivia was a founding board member of Stand for Animals (formerly Spay Neuter Charlotte), a nonprofit industry leader in affordable spay neuter and veterinary care services. She also served as Board Chair of Stand for Animals for many years. At home, Olivia, Steve and Claudia provided a loving home to generations of rescued pugs (Olivia’s license plate: 3PUGLVRS).

Olivia was an outstanding mom, a wonderful wife, and a dear friend. She was funny and a great storyteller. Olivia also had a passion for fashion. She was a true trend setter, and invariably the best dressed woman in the room. Her friends marveled that she never wore the same outfit twice.

For the last few years, Olivia had been fighting a battle against Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), a rare neurological disorder. She did so with grace and courage, continuing to welcome friends into her home until a few days before she passed away.

Donations in Olivia’s memory may be made to Stand for Animals at standforanimals.org.