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/ .