Photo courtesy of the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati.
A legacy of care from Patsy Kohn and her late husband, Barry z”l, lives on — one meal at a time
Submitted by the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati
Some acts of generosity feel like a warm hand on your shoulder. That’s the kind of legacy Patsy Kohn is building in memory of her husband Barry z”l. Through an endowed gift made through the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati, Patsy is supporting Meals on Wheels at the Mayerson JCC — a program that delivers not only hot kosher meals, but something even more essential: human connection.
This gift isn’t just a tribute to Barry. It’s an expression of the values they lived by. And through Federation, Patsy has found a way to carry those values forward — delivering care through hot meals, warm greetings, familiar faces and the comfort of being remembered.
As Silver Circle donors, a very special group of loyal, long-time supporters who have given to the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati for 25 years or more, Patsy and Barry Kohn quietly helped sustain Jewish Cincinnati, supporting the Federation with a steady, lasting impact. Barry, who passed away in 2024 at age 74, once served as a Federation campaign chair — committed not just to giving, but to helping others do the same. The JCC was especially dear to them, as a place where their children and grandchildren learned to swim, where holidays were celebrated and where friendships turned into chosen family.
“One of Barry’s passions was supporting people with food insecurity,” said Susan Bradley-Meyer, Director of Senior Adult Services at the JCC. “While he never needed the service himself, he would come by the 60 & Better Center to check on our Meals on Wheels program — particularly during COVID when the demand for meals increased.”
After Barry’s passing, Patsy found a way to honor his memory that felt deeply personal. Meals on Wheels reflects how she and Barry cared for others — simply, steadily and with love. It’s not just about the meals, Patsy shared. It’s about what they represent.
“Barry and I both believed that food is one of the most basic, most loving ways you can care for someone,” she said.
The Meals on Wheels program delivers hundreds of meals a week to older adults across Greater Cincinnati who are homebound or otherwise in need of support. But it’s the daily check-ins — friendly hellos, safety calls and small moments of connection — that make the impact profound.
“What we deliver isn’t just a meal,” said Bradley-Meyer. “It’s a message: you’re part of this community. We are here for you.”
Though most of the Kohns’ children and seven grandchildren now live out of town, part of the family remains in Cincinnati — continuing the connection that began generations ago. Patsy’s endowed gift allows those roots to keep giving indefinitely — feeding not only bodies, but spirits. It’s a story of Jewish values lived out in the most tangible of ways.
