Rae Ann Cohen

Rae Ann (Kieffer) Cohen-a 60 year resident of Newport Beach –known as a radiant spirit, a devoted mother and wife, a passionate community leader, and a person who "lived a full measure" and always gave generously-passed away on June 24, 2025, in Scottsdale, Arizona, surrounded by her three children. She was 89.

Rae was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the eldest of five children of Raymond and Ruth Kieffer. She spent her formative years in Midland, Michigan.

When her family moved to Cincinnati she met her neighbor across the street, Stan Cohen, who would become the love of her life and husband of 62 years. Rae and Stan moved to New Orleans, where she enrolled at Louisiana State University New Orleans (LSUNO) on a full academic scholarship.

Rae and Stan were married in 1960, and soon welcomed sons Gordon and Gary. The family moved to Newport Beach, in 1965-where their daughter Sharon was born on their fifth wedding anniversary. Here Rae would build a life of purpose, service, and deep impact.

Rae believed in people and their potential. She often told her children, “First the dream,” a phrase she lived by and passed down. She saw the best in others and encouraged them to believe in themselves. With quiet strength and generosity, she gave without seeking recognition.

Her contributions to the community were extensive. Rae served as PTA President and Cheerleading Advisor at Newport Harbor High School. She co-owned a local music school teaching piano and guitar. She led the Sisterhood at Temple Sharon and served as President of Friends of the Newport Beach Library. Rae volunteered with the Assistance League, worked in a dental clinic for underserved patients, and helped establish Heritage Pointe, a Jewish senior living facility.

In civic service, she chaired the Newport Beach Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission for eight years and helped launch the Mariners 4th of July Parade, now in its 50th year. She saw what her neighborhood needed and quietly made it happen.

Perhaps her most lasting legacy is the Newport Theatre Arts Center (NTAC), which Rae helped found in 1979. Though she had no formal theater background, she embraced the challenge with enthusiasm. Soon, she became Theater President, a position she held for nearly 40 years. She mentored performers and volunteers alike, always believing in untapped potential. In 2022, the performance space was renamed the Rae A. Cohen Theater, a tribute to her decades of dedication and leadership.

Her work earned Rae the Silver Anchor Award from the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce in 1986 and the Sunshine Award in 2006. Yet, she never sought accolades. Even her closest friends were often unaware of the full extent of her involvement.

Rae’s home was a place of warmth and welcome. She opened her doors to neighbors, friends, and her children’s classmates—offering meals, refuge, and unconditional acceptance. She made everyone feel like family. Her home was a sanctuary of comfort, inclusion, and love.

Into her 80s, Rae remained sharp and spirited. She enjoyed gardening, Hallmark movies, and global affairs. She loved a perfect latte, and played “Words with Friends.” Her curiosity, warmth, and sense of humor never waned.

Rae is survived by her children and their spouses—Gordon (Trisha), Gary (Leanne), and Sharon (Bill) and her beloved grandchildren: Brandon, Kiefer, Jason (Marika), Nathan, and Aaron. She is also survived by her twin sisters, Jean Ferraro and Joan (Steve) Hutter.

She is reunited in eternity with her beloved husband Stan, her siblings Richard and Gail Kieffer, and brother-in-law James Ferraro.

Rae’s life was a testament to quiet strength, generosity, and service. Her legacy lives on through the lives she touched, the institutions she built, and the love she gave so freely.