Inez A. Cohen, age 102, of HIllsboro, Oregon, passed away on Friday, November 13, 2020 at Rosewood Park in Hillsboro. Inez was born on September 24, 1918 at Big Springs, Nebraska to Niels 'Mike' and Glyde 'Polley' Nielson.
As a teenager, Inez moved to Oregon where she began a long and successful career in the restaurant business as a waitress and quickly worked up to management. During World War II, Inez took a short break to pursue waitress work in San Francisco.
In the 1960's Inez changed careers, entering the real estate field, where again she was very successful in both selling and knowing the right purchases for her own portfolio. Inez was most proud of successfully assisting numerous women in their first home purchase.
Her dedication to family was as strong as to her professional career. Her Oregon family included her brother, Arley, sister, Iona, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
In addition to career and family over the years, Inez became a world traveler, with Russia, Hong Kong, Alaska, and Hawaii being her favorites and most often visited. Her home decor was a display of her world travels. She loved music and dancing, a favorite dance tune being "Tiny Bubbles."
The younger generation of the family was inspired with the Nielson work ethic and the zest for life exhibited by Inez. Family always looked forward to the elegant dinners she hosted and trips to the Oregon coast she coordinated. Inez will always be remembered for her red hair and her beloved red sports car, "Awesome."
Inez was preceded in death by her parents, Mike & Glyde Nielson; three brothers, Arley, Glenn and an infant brother; five sisters, Iona Schaffer, Ilene Wolford, Rosetta Zorn, Esther Norwood, and Irene Harmonson.
Survivors include her sister, Gladys (Larry) Benzing of Longview, Texas; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins.
Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society in her name.
Holecheck-Bondegard Funeral Home & Cremations in Oshkosh, Nebraska is assisting with local arrangements.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 18, 2021 at the Holechek-Bondegard Funeral Home in Oshkosh with Brenda Tophoj, PMA officiating.
Services will be streamed live and available to watch after the service at www.facebook.com/hbfunerals.