Ella Kogan

Ella Kogan was born on May 26, 1944, in St. Petersburg, Russia. She passed away on April 30, 2023, after a courageous battle with cancer, just one month shy of her 79th birthday. No matter how ill, Ella remained determined and strong—just as she had been throughout her life.

Ella is survived by her husband, Michael, their children, Roza and Raphael, and their loved ones, Mark Melnick and Rebecca Giarnese. But her family extended far beyond blood. Many people considered Ella a surrogate mother. She cared deeply for others and made sure that anyone who crossed her threshold was fed, heard, and welcomed. Through her, we learned what resilience and perseverance truly look like.

Strong‑willed and stubborn at times, Ella also possessed an enormous heart and a wonderful sense of humor. She was clever, generous, loyal, brave, and endlessly resourceful. She will be remembered for the love she poured into her friends and family. If you knew her, you felt it—she made sure of that.

When Ella came to the United States with her husband and daughter, she embraced the challenge of building a new life. She learned a new language, new skills, and delighted in exchanging stories and anecdotes with everyone she met. She rarely encountered a stranger she couldn’t charm. She loved traveling, especially beach vacations, but she was happiest when she was at the center of her children’s lives. Anyone who knew them knew she was a star in their eyes, and that was all that ever mattered to her.

She leaves behind a legacy of strength, generosity, and unwavering love—gifts she shared freely and that will continue to live on in all who were fortunate enough to know her. Her ashes will be scattered at a future date, returning her to the places she loved and the world she embraced so fully.