Tilly Carol (Cohen) Kolus

Tilly Carol (Cohen) Kolus

Tilly Carol Kolus, the patient wife of Howard Kolus and the loving mother of  Derrick and Cheryl Kolus, died at home in Mechanicsburg in the late afternoon of May 24 of cardiac arrest. Thus, she valiantly concluded an eight-year battle with pulmonary fibrosis. Tilly was 85 years old.

This was a very special woman; determined, stubborn and often blessed with innate insight about the issues faced during her most meaningful life.  She fought her illness, which she called “a mean disease,” with the tenacity of a true warrior; resisting what she often considered over-medication, but supremely grateful for the care and consideration of those who loved her and the staff of Kindred at Home Hospice who provided excellent and compassionate guidance and care.

Tilly was born in Cairo, Egypt, one of seven children of the late Shehata and Zakia Cohen. She is survived by her husband, Howard; sisters: Sally Mills, Little Rock, AR; Margaret McHale, Montreal, Canada; and Rae Folster, Yvonne Wystrach and Rose Cohen, all of  Vancouver, Canada; son Derrick of Burbank, CA; daughter Cheryl of Fort Collins, CO; and three grandchildren.

Tilly emigrated to the United States in 1961 and began a more than three-decade career as a legal secretary with firms in both California and Harrisburg.  In 2004, she published, “Unplanned Journeys,” the story of her life in Cairo as a child and young woman, told with a hint of intrigue, and her experiences as a wife and mother after leaving that country and initially settling in Fresno, CA.  Before she became ill, Tilly enjoyed morning walks with close friends and regular visits with distant family.  She and Howard, her husband of 55 years, often drove across the United States and to Canada to complete those journeys.  And now, at last free of pain and able to breathe unconstrained by supplemental oxygen, Tilly will forever soar freely in the hearts of her beloved family and friends.  She will be missed – always. “We do not know how much one loves until that love is lost…”

All are welcome to join Tilly’s family at her gathering of family and friends on Sunday, May 29, 2016, from 2:30 p.m. until time of remembrance at 3:00 p.m. at Myers - Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory, 37 East Main Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055; with Reverend Jeffrey L. Warner officiating.   Tilly’s family invites everyone to join them for a time of food and fellowship at Chef Wong’s Chinese Restaurant, 5001 East Trindle Road, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055.

Contributions in celebration of Tilly’s life can be made to Kindred at Home Hospice, 4660 Trindle Road, Suite 204 Camp Hill, PA.

Tilly’s family has entrusted her care to Myers – Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Tilly’s full obituary, view her memorial portrait, and sign her official guest book at www.Myers-Buhrig.com .