Jan Cohen Stessman

Jan Cohen Stessman - Passed away peacefully at home on December 14 at the age of 50 following a long and courageous battle with breast cancer. She was born in West Hartford, CT graduated from University of Colorado and resided in Washington DC, Palo Alto, San Francisco, and San Rafael before finding her historic Petaluma home. She is survived by her devoted family: husband Aaron and daughters Madeline Lee and Emma Rose; mother Joan Cohen of Farmington, CT; father Robert B. Cohen of West Hartford; and siblings Melissa Cohen-Stone, Gail Cohen-Weiglein, and Lawrence Cohen and numerous extended family members. Jan inspired her family and friends with her passion for life and her dedication to volunteer and not-for-profit service. She held various positions in the arts and non-profit agencies. As manager and later as a member of SFMOMAâ??s Modern Art Council, she planned fundraising events and counted among her friends many of San Franciscoâ??s leading social and civic leaders. A family memorial was held on December 16th. A celebration of her life is planned for April. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, Petalumaâ??s Carousel Fund or the Jan Stessman Legacy Fund at Wells Fargo Bank. Directors: PARENT-SORENSEN MORTUARY & CREMATORY, Petaluma, CA.