In Celebration of

Naomi Rose Kogan

April 11, 1952 -  November 23, 2020

Naomi Kogan, born in Montreal, peacefully passed on at home surrounded by
her family on November 23, 2020. She will be lovingly remembered by her
husband of 35 years, Simon Young, her daughter Emily, her mother Eleanor, her
stepson Anthony (Maryse), her sister Elona, her niece and second 'daughter'
Yael Kushner Heher (Eliot), her brother Michael, and by many other family
members and friends. She was predeceased by her father, Bernard Kogan.

All who knew her will remember the intensity with which she lived her life, how
she embraced and supported her family and friends, her great attention to
others, her sense of humor which was occasionally outrageous, and her
formidable hugs.

Naomi worked for 43 years as a social worker. In her work in palliative care at the
Jewish General Hospital she went above and beyond to advocate for her
patients and their families. She did everything from helping her patients get visas
for their families abroad so they could say their goodbyes in person, to bringing
in homemade hot sauce to help a patient feel more at home with bland hospital
food. The passion and intensity that she brought to her work helped her to be a
tireless voice for thousands over the span of her career. When walking around
Montreal it was not uncommon for her to get big hugs from clients whom she had
helped, sometimes many years before.

Her diagnosis with gallbladder cancer was tragic but she approached the illness
with grace, courage, and resilience. She set the tone for those caring for her,
allowing humour and insight to be a part of a dark time. She passed away in
much the same way that she lived her life, with dignity and grace, making those
around her laugh, and showing loving care and concern for everyone around
her, from family to health care professionals. We are profoundly grateful to
nurses Allison Quinn, Jill Tom and Paula Habib for their care, empathy,
sensitivity and hard work which enabled Naomi to remain comfortably at home in
the last weeks of her life. We are deeply grateful to two long-time friends of
Naomi; Dr. Nicole Baird, a palliative care physician, and Lucie Tremblay, an
oncology nurse, who worked tirelessly to ensure that she got the best care
possible.

Naomi was an enthusiastic volunteer, advocate, and Board member of the Depot
Community Food Centre and was made an honorary Board member for life
because of her contributions to the organization.
Donations in her memory can be made at https://depotmtl.org/en/thank-you/ .

Guestbook 

(4 of 4)


Tina Ornstein (Friend for 55+ years)

Entered November 27, 2020 from Istael

Naomi breezed into my life when we were both 12 years old and, miraculously, our friendship thrived and deepened through all of life's stages -- adolescence, young adulthood, marriage and family, retirement. Her endless capacity to love and care, her courage in seeking out and embracing challenges, her crazy sense of humour, and, of course, her bone-crunching hugs all became her trademarks not only for me, but for my daughters and husband as well. I find it very hard to fathom a world without Naomi in it. But I know that she is resting in the eternal peace that she deserves. My heartfelt hugs to Simon, Emily, Yael, Eleanor, Ilona and the rest of the family and other dear friends.

Robert, Monique, Guillaume et Ariane. (Voisins et amis.)

Entered November 28, 2020 from 4208 Madison, Montréal, Qc., H4B 2T9

Nos pensées sont avec vous.

Deborah Salmon (Colleague)

Entered November 29, 2020 from Montreal

I’m so terribly sorry to hear of Naomi’s passing. We worked together at the Royal Vic in the 1980’s (and 90’s?) where I worked as a music therapist in palliative care. Over the years we were always happy to bump into one another, whether it was at a conference, the Vic pool with our kids, or just last year, on the street, and we always had lively discussions. Naomi had such integrity, and an easy capacity to connect deeply. My sincere sympathies to her family, and all who will surely miss her.

Colleen Emery 

Entered December 6, 2020 from Winlaw, BC

We extend our deepest condolences to the Kogan-Young family at this time. We are deeply saddened by the news of Naomi's passing. It was a honour and a pleasure to know Naomi, our lives more rich for it.
With respect and love,
Colleen & Ashley Emery