Stephanie Whidden

Stephanie (Shelly) Michelle Whidden was born in Oakland, California to Stephen and Marie Whidden on October 5, 1959, placing her in a lifelong role as the Big Sister to her brother Scott and sister Shauna. She spent her early years in California, graduating from Berkeley High School, where she was managing editor of the award-winning Jackets newspaper and competed in the all-city tennis and swim team tournaments. She received her undergraduate degree from UC Berkeley, spending her junior year at the University of Poitiers, France, launching her lifelong love of travel.

Shelly was drawn to a career in law at age twelve, inspired by her beloved grandfather, Earl M. Ripley, a highly respected lawyer in San Francisco. With this goal in mind, she graduated early from high school and college before entering law school at the University of San Francisco. She supported herself by working as an ice cream maker at the famous Botts Ice Cream in Berkeley (fun fact: she got paid by the gallon).

After working at law firms in San Francisco, Shelly landed in New York’s Hudson Valley quite literally by accident – she was injured during a ski trip in the Catskill Mountains and, while recovering, decided to study for the New York State Bar. It didn’t take long for her to fall in love with the natural beauty of Ulster County and make it her home. Like threads in a beautiful tapestry, half of her heart remained in California with her cherished family, and she visited the Bay Area often.

Shelly was a member of both the California and New York Bar Associations and had her law practice in historic uptown Kingston, NY where for decades she served many as a trusted lawyer, advisor and friend. While a member of the Howard C. St. John and Associates law firm from 1986 through the mid nineteen nineties she was entrusted with various types of legal matters across 8 Hudson Valley Counties and beyond. After starting her own firm, she focused on complex real estate and estate matters. Many were difficult cases referred to her by other attorneys. She had a gift for unraveling complexities and was tenacious at solving disputes other attorneys preferred to avoid. She was also appointed by New York State Appellate Court to oversee guardianships in Ulster County, a duty which she administered with great care and integrity.

Shelly delighted in nature and wildlife and surrounded herself with both believing the integration helped her to be her best possible self. Spending much time running, cycling, hiking, climbing, gardening and exploring the beautiful outdoors around her beautiful home nestled along the Ashokan Reservoir, she was often accompanied by her beloved husband, Mitchell Cohen and her Rhodesian Ridgebacks. The gardens that she designed and cultivated with Mitch were extensive and added to the sanctuary that was their home.

It was the sheer joy of living that propelled her and she knew no limitations - whether it was putting herself through college as the first woman ice cream maker in Berkeley or becoming one of the few women attorneys in her area. She went after every goal with determination and a fearlessness that was unstoppable.

Shelly is survived by her husband, Mitchell Cohen; her mother, Carol Marie Whidden; her brother Gregory Scott Whidden and his wife, Neatha Curry Whidden; her sister, Shauna Marie Whidden; her nephews Steen Whidden (Marianna) and Ansel Schulze; and her great nephews, Jayden and Preston Whidden. She was preceded in death by her father, J.R. Whiteagle and her brother Stephen Huse Whidden.

She was a True North for her family. A guide, a beacon in the night. Unwavering in her commitment, dedication and love. She touched us with her kindness, compassion and brilliance. May we all carry the light of her precious soul forward.

A tribute may be found at www.KeyserFuneralService.com, where you may leave memories and condolences for the family. A Celebration of Life will be held in February in NY and March in California. The internment of her ashes will be at Mountain View Cemetery in Oakland. For those who wish, contributions in Shelly’s memory may be made to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, giving.mskkcc.org.