Lois Samuel (Cosden) Dawers September, 27, 1919 - April 20, 2016
A native of San Francisco, and 47-year resident of Piedmont, Lois was the daughter of Jacob (Jake) and Anna Samuel, and younger sister of Edna Samuel (DeRoy) Liebman. Bright, gifted, courageous and giving, she enriched the lives of others throughout her life.
An artist since childhood, Lois created many beautiful, meaningful paintings, both large and small. At Presidio Jr. High School, she was Student Body President and Valedictorian. As well as designed the Student Body Card, and was Associate Editor of the school paper. Later at Washington High School, she was Vice President of the Student Body, President of the Honor Society and designed the school colors of Scarlet and Grey.
After high school, she attended the San Francisco School of Fine Art (now the San Francisco Art Institute), where she won awards, and practiced commercial art. In 1940, on a trip to New York City with her mother and favorite aunt (Gussie), she was introduced at a dinner party to her future mother-in-law (Blanche Cohn), who quickly arranged for her son, William (Bill) Edward Cosden, to meet her. Shortly after her return home, Bill took the train to San Francisco to propose. They were married by Cantor Reuben R. Rinder of Temple Emanuel in San Francisco six weeks after meeting.
She much enjoyed living in Manhattan, where sons Larry and Bill (Jr.) were born, as well as Cedarhurst (Long Island) , followed by Westport, CT. Where she did public relations writing for non-profits, and served as a Board Member of some. Additionally, Lois designed sterling silver items manufactured by Dunkirk Silversmiths, the company she, her husband and father-in-law formed, that had a factory in Meriden, CT and a showroom on 5th Ave in NYC. In 1953, Bill passed away at the age of 36, and she returned to San Francisco with her two sons. Once back, she continued doing P.R., with Little Theatre, non-profits and Children's Hospital of San Francisco. As well as worked as an advertising agency artist. In 1963 she married Edward (Ed) Conrad Dawers, Jr. and loved living with him in Piedmont, CA.
There she served on the Board of the Piedmont Arts and Crafts Guild, and was President twice. She was also on the Board of the Women's Guild of the Judah Magnes Museum, and represented Piedmont on the California Arts Council.
In 1996, two years after Ed's passing, Lois' great joy was in founding The Piedmont Seniors. This group operates through the Piedmont Recreation Department, and has been called the "Jewel" of the Department. For 20 years it has provided a way for seniors to meet and enjoy a variety of cultural and educational activities and outings throughout the Bay Area. And has been beloved by its many members over the years
Lois is survived by her sons, Larry (wife Marilyn) Cosden and Bill Cosden (M'Liss Greenlee), step-sons Tom Dawers and Jim Dawers (wife Peggy). Grandchildren Jake and Chris Cosden, and step-grandchildren Brittany Dawers, Danika (husband Charlie) Gould and Alex Dawers. Nieces Lynne Braverman (husband Michael) and Lee Culver (husband Aubrey Moore) and nephews Jay DeRoy (Judy Gerard) and Larry Levinger (Connie Carroll).
Larry and Bill especially wish to thank Lois' dear, long-time friend Linda Huber of Piedmont, and Kathy Carlon and Pamela Maguire, who became like daughters to her over the years. And her wonderful Piedmont Court neighbors during her five decades living there. As well as the caring staffs of Aegis of Moraga and Vitas (Hospice) of Contra Costa.
Also, many thanks to Mark Delventhal and Janet Epstein of the Piedmont Recreation Dept. and Helen Fleck and all their Piedmont Seniors friends, for their collective dedication to enriching the lives of seniors, and keeping Lois' legacy alive.
A celebration of Lois' life will be at noon, Friday, October 28, 2016 at the Piedmont Community Hall, 711 Highland Ave., Piedmont, CA 94611.
Memorial contributions may made to the Alameda County Community Food Bank (P.O. box 2599, Oakland, CA 94614).