Written by Mrs. Norman Cohen

Significance of Painting

Double Rainbow:

Donna was very apprehensive about death and what happens afterwards. She kept asking everyone what to expect. One day Patty, her morning nurse, told her she would go to a wonderful place, more beautiful than anywhere she had ever been. Donna asked, “How do you know?” Patty said that she just believed this and she said, “Donna, when you get there, send me a sign. Donna asked, “What kind of a sign?” Patty said, “Please send me a rainbow.” Two days after Donna passed away, there was not just a rainbow, but also a gorgeous double rainbow in the sky over the hospital. Many people verified this information.

 The Roller Coaster:

Donna was a member of ACE (American Coaster Enthusiasts). She traveled all over this country and went to several others riding roller coasters. She hired to ride 17 consecutive times at Six Flags Great Adventure Park in New Jersey. This was for a TV ad that aired locally. She attended many conventions for the society and wrote an article “The Attractions of Willow Grove Park” which appeared in the 1996 Old York Road Historical Society Bulletin.

 Tropical Flowers:

Donna loved arranging flowers and especially ones from the tropics. Whenever there was any occasion in the family, you could be sure Donna would arrive with a gorgeous arrangement she had created from tropical flowers. She spent hours at Penny’s Florist selecting each individual flower.

 The making of

“Celebration of Life” & Celebration of Life II”

by Anthe

This wonderful journey started for me when commissioned to create a painting for Dr. and Mrs. Norman Cohen in honor of their late daughter, Donna.

As an artist, I always feel honored and derive  personal satisfaction whenever invited to create a piece of artwork.  A prime example of this is when I was presented with the unique challenge of capturing the beautiful essence of  Donna who fought a valiant battle against cancer.  After 5 months of special care of Donna, when asked what the attending hospital staff would like in appreciation they requested a painting of a rainbow. This painting, in the loving memory of their daughter, was thoughtfully entitled, "Celebration of Life." 

 In retrospect, I now know that God, in His infinite wisdom, had prepared me some years prior to this “LABOR OF LOVE” by showing me not one but two double rainbows. They have stood forever vivid in my mind’s eye, and I truly believe were sent to me for this very mission. When asked to paint a double rainbow, a roller coaster and tropical flowers, I shook with excitement and anticipation of creating such a painting.  I also was a bit reluctant to this commission, because I had not painted for about 9 months, due to an automobile accident resulting in an injured hand that required surgery. Therefore, I was fearful of using my hand for fine art projects, for about 6 months after the surgery. Because I did not know whether I had fully gained my fine motor skills that were impaired prior to the operation.

I was fond of Perky Cohen and I knew of her daughter’s generous spirit through donations she had made to MCGOPA, an arts organization to which I belong. Because of Donna’s generosity, we continue to have music at our openings, which means a great deal to the group and those attending.

 Originally, I was contracted to paint the horizontal painting that you see before you, entitled “ Celebration of Life II.”   However, after looking at the space where the painting would hang, I felt that a round painting was warranted. I began my mission by painting not one but two of these paintings. The imagery chosen to immortalize Donna spoke volumes to me, as did the Lord.  I became His instrument and just let the painting happen.  What a blessing. I give full credit to God who renewed me and continually strengthens me .

 Perky agreed that the round painting was indeed the right painting for the space. Although the horizontal painting captured the essence of Donna, equally as well, but it was not the right shape for the area designated for its placement.

This entire process was truly an honor and a blessing for me. I created two paintings for which I am extremely proud to have produced.  In addition, I was able to paint with no pain miraculously having received full use of my hands and return of complete dexterity. 

I paint because I MUST, much like breathing, it sustains me and keeps me alive. I believe Donna, much in the same way, lives on spiritually through these paintings and is comforted knowing the many lives will touched by them.

The Cohens and hospital staff are to be commended for conceiving this brilliant way of honoring the memory of Donna with a painting that serves as a tribute to a very brave and special person while at the same time spreading joy and beauty for many to enjoy for years to come.

Thank you for the opportunity of sharing my experience and permitting me to capture for you, through these paintings, Donna’s memory from an artist’s perspective.