Jane Cahn Magnus of Mason, Ohio, passed away on April 1, 2024, at the age of 95. She was a beloved wife and cherished mother and grandmother. She leaves behind her two sons, Roger and Stephen, Roger’s family including his wife Ariella and children Noah and Sophie, and numerous nieces, nephews, and other family members. Jane was married to the late Joseph Alexander Magnus for 50 years until his passing in 2006. Her brother, Charles Maurice Cahn, Jr., of Baltimore, predeceased Jane in 2014.
Originally known as Jane Carrol, she was born in Baltimore, Maryland, on November 8, 1928, to Charles Maurice Cahn and Fannie Rosenbacher Cahn. Charles was a professional cellist, and Fannie, an amateur pianist. They instilled in Jane a love for classical music, which she in turn instilled in her sons.
Jane met Joe in 1953. In 1956, they were married, and Jane moved to Cincinnati.
Over the years, Jane was involved in numerous volunteer causes and organizations, including the League of Women Voters and the Cincinnati Public Schools. She tested children’s vision and tutored students in reading. She also was devoted to the cause of women’s reproductive freedom and was a supporter of Planned Parenthood.
Jane and Joe were season ticket holders to the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. In addition, she attended concerts at the Matinee Musicale Lunchtime Series at the Netherland Hilton Hotel and the Xavier University Piano Recital Series. Jane loved playing music of all sorts — not just classical — on her phonograph and took drum lessons.
Jane was athletic, participating in a ballet class for more than 40 years and swimming regularly until her final years. Jane and Joe also enjoyed playing tennis with each other and with other couples.
Jane loved to travel — Florida was a favorite destination — and she spoke fondly of trips she made to Europe over two consecutive summers when she was in her early 20s.
In the 1980s, Jane decided to go back to college, and in 1990 graduated with an Associate’s Degree in Psychology from the Raymond Walters branch of the University of Cincinnati. She also later studied social work at the University of Cincinnati. She had worked as a secretary as a young woman, after attending the Katharine Gibbs School in Boston.
In her last 11 years, Jane resided at Cedar Village Nursing Home, now Majestic Care of Cedar Village, where she befriended many nurses and other caregivers.
Jane was, above all, one of a kind. Her smile, wit, and laughter will be sorely missed by all who knew her.
Jane’s funeral was Thursday morning, April 4, 2024, at Weil Kahn Funeral Home at 8350 Cornell Road, Cincinnati, OH 45249. Visitation with the family was from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., and the memorial service was at 10:30 a.m. At noon, there was a graveside service at the United Jewish Cemetery at 7885 Ivygate Lane, Cincinnati, OH 45242. Finally, a catered reception was held at Majestic Care of Cedar Village at 5467 Cedar Village Drive, Mason, OH 45040 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution in Jane’s memory to the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Planned Parenthood, or a charity of your choice.
