Cathy Cohen
Roxanne Catherine Tullsen Cohen, MD, 69, widow of the Rev. Albert Orlando, died Mar. 5, 2013 of complications from a stroke. She was a renowned obstetrician/gynecologist who served the New Orleans community in private practice for 35 years. Cathy cared for countless women and delivered thousands of babies. She was born May 6, 1943, in Cincinnati and grew up in Scotch Plains, NJ, where she graduated third in her class at Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School. She graduated from Bucknell University and studied at The University of Edinburgh in Scotland.
She earned her medical degree from the University of Rochester and completed her internship and residency at The University of Chicago’s Lying-in Hospital. After these years, Cathy said that she would never live in a cold climate again.
Cathy also served as a U.S. Navy medical officer at Camp Lejeune, NC, before joining The Women’s Medical Centers in 1975. She also provided medical expertise at Planned Parenthood of Louisiana.
An active member of the First UU Church of New Orleans, Cathy was married to long-time minister and civil rights leader, the Rev. Albert D’Orlando, until his death in 1998. Cathy was a choir member for many years and also served as President of the Board of Trustees. She supported the ACLU and grew her hair for Locks of Love. She will be remembered for her warm sense of humor, thoughtful conversation, good nature, wisdom, sense of conviction and generosity. Cathy was avid reader, who enjoyed everything from literature to People Magazine.
Her love of classical music was matched only by her dedication to TV sitcoms. Long indifferent to professional sports, after age 60, she developed a passion for the Saints and became fluent in football statistics and knew about every player. She adored her many pet dachshunds and her cats. A faithful correspondent with a penchant for traveling, Cathy maintained life-long friendships around the globe.Cathy is survived by her brother Peter Tullsen (Nancy), niece Barbara Hill (Dan), nephew John Tullsen (Evan Siegel), grandnephew Wesley Hill, and grandniece Alaina Hill. She is also greatly missed by her companion, Nick Napolitano.
Notes of remembrance may go to her nephew: John Tullsen, 3525 North Marshfield Ave., Chicago, IL 60657.