Freda "Fritzi" Cohen of Portland died Tuesday morning August 7, 2012 at her residence as a
result of declining health.
She was born in New York City the only daughter of Joseph & Rose Jassem where she was raised in Brooklyn attending schools there graduating from Brooklyn College.
Fritzi was employed for a tie company in New York City for several years while attending drama school.
She met the love of her life Robert "Bob" Cohen at the USO in New York during World War-II. They married and then moved to Maine in 1946. Fritzi immediately became involved in local theatrical organizations Portland Players and the Jewish Community Center.
Fritzi formerly worked for Channel 6 (NBC Affiliate) where she wrote copy, and while there she became the first in New England on air drama critic. She reveiwed local and professional theatrical productions.
She performed for several seasons at the Kennebunkport Play House. Fritzi was most noted for her role in the movie "JAWS" and also did an episode of "Route 66", as well as other movies and commercials. She also had a leading role in the Boston production of "Lenny."
She was known for her honesty, integrity and professionalism. She enjoyed bowling, volunteering at the Portland Museum of Art, was an accomplished gardner, and a creative painter of pet portraits.
She is predeceased by her loving husband in 1994.
She leaves a daughter Jill S. Cohen of Needham, and her partner Jerrold Olanoff, her loving cat Lily Rose, and her best friend Marilyn Goodreau. Also survived by close relatives in Buffalo, NY and Dallas, TX.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend funeral services at Temple Beth El, 400 Deering Ave, Portland on Thursday August 9, 2012 at 1PM with Rabbi Carolyn Braun officiating. Interment will follow in Temple Beth El Memorial Park, Portland. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her memory to Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals C/O Marilyn Goodreau P.O. Box 10, 279 River Rd, South Windham, ME. 04082.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St, Portland.
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