Funeral Details

Melanie Rovner Cohen

August 9, 1944 - September 22, 2026

SERVICE INFORMATION

Date and Time

Thursday, September 24, 2026 at 1:00 PM

Service

Chicago Jewish Funerals
Buffalo Grove Chapel
195 North Buffalo Grove Road
Buffalo Grove, Illinois 60089
Get Directions

Clergy

Rabbi Wendi Geffen
North Shore Congregation Israel

Interment

Shalom Memorial Park
1700 West Rand Road
Arlington Heights, Illinois 60004
Get Directions

Shiva

Canel Residence
1189 Crofton Avenue North
Highland Park, Illinois 60035
Get Directions
Following the interment until 8PM

Memorial Contributions

Brandeis University
www.brandeis.edu





OBITUARY

Melanie Rovner Cohen, age 82

Beloved wife of Arthur Cohen. Dear mother of Mitchell Cohen, Stephanie Tomasky and Jennifer and Jason Canel. Proudest grandmother of Leah and Noah Canel and Ava Cohen. Fond sister of Scott and Susan Rovner.

Melanie treasured her close relationships, especially with her husband Art and her grandchildren, whose lives and accomplishments brought her tremendous pride and joy. Following the model of her beloved mother Sheila and her Aunt Joan, Melanie was a central source of connection and strength for her family. She was intellectually curious, deeply principled, and always encouraged those around her to think, learn, and stand for social justice. She loved the color red and everything that sparkled. She was a graduate of Brandeis University and an accomplished attorney. Melanie was also a founding member and President of the Turnaround Management Association and acted as a professor at DePaul University College of Law. She will be remembered for her independent spirit, strong sense of justice, and fierce intelligence.

Service Thursday at 1 PM at Chicago Jewish Funerals, 195 N. Buffalo Grove Road (One block north of Lake Cook Road), Buffalo Grove. Interment Shalom Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Brandeis University: www.brandeis.edu.To attend the funeral live stream, please visit our website. Arrangements by Chicago Jewish Funerals - Skokie Chapel, 847.229.8822, www.cjfinfo.com


PHOTOS



GUEST BOOK

We encourage you to share your personal condolences and stories of Melanie Rovner Cohen below and we will share them with the family.
*Email and phone numbers will NOT be displayed online


Art,

Ira and I are in disbelief. Our deepest condolences to you and your children. This is a huge loss. Melanie is a legend.

With love, Debbie and Ira

Debbie Ebner
September 22, 2026
Art and family: Linda and I are so sorry hear of your loss. We hope Melanie went peacefully. I was proud to be Melanie's law partner and personal friend. She was an amazing attorney and a wonderful person. She was very generous and supportive of many organizations.

All our love, Linda and Norm Newman

Norm Newman
September 23, 2026
Melanie is an icon of our industry, was an advocate for women, and a role model for many. I was always in awe of her abilities and accomplishments. My deepest condolences to her family and friends. I was blessed to have known her.

Tina Hughes
September 23, 2026
Leah- thank you so much for letting us know. Your grandmother was an amazing woman. Smart, funny and full of spirit- we had some wonderful times together traveling shopping and eating. She she was a great surrogate grandmother to my son Rob when he lived in Chicago, I will not forget her wonderful smile and her sense of humor Judith and Warren Feder.

Judith Feder
September 24, 2026
Dear Art
My condolences
It’s been a long time but still have fond memories
Best
Richard Prince

Richard Prince
September 24, 2026