Arlene Kahen

Arlene Kahen (nee Korman) of Skokie, IL, 88, beloved wife of the late Gene Kahen for 49 years, passed away at her home of 64 years on Friday, January 28, 2022, after a battle with dementia. Loving mother of the late Howard (Kristy) Kahen, Keith (Diane) Kahen, Gary (Robin) Kahen and Wendy Kahen; cherished grandmother of Elliot Kahen, Rachel (Nate) Harris, Jeremy Kahen, Benjamin Kahen and Corey Kahen; devoted daughter of the late Rose and Carl Korman; treasured aunt, sister, sister-in-law, cousin and friend to many. Affectionately known as the “plant lady” for her 40 years as the owner of Garden Gate Tropicals, Arlene was a trailblazer in the mid-1970s as a woman-owned business, a business she started from the ground up and continued into her 80s. Her passion for indoor plants never abated. Arlene’s lifelong love of learning and thirst for knowledge in many different areas opened her up to a large and diverse group of friends of all ages and backgrounds. She was a people person who easily made friends, and who greatly enjoyed going to lunch with dear friends and relatives. Arlene’s love of art, design and fashion shined brightly, as big as her beautiful smile. She enjoyed collecting and wearing unique, antique jewelry along with colorful, distinct purses and clothes, which were striking, wearable pieces of art. A life well-lived, her star will continue to light up the world.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, February 1, 10:30 AM at Weinstein & Piser Funeral Home, 111 Skokie Blvd, Wilmette. The service will also be streamed at www.asimplestreaming.com/akahen. Interment Westlawn Cemetery. For funeral info: 847-256-5700.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Association https://www.alz.org/illinois/donate.

The family is not sitting Shiva due to Covid.