Obituary of Thelma Deane Kogan

Kogan, Thelma Deane (nee Beavers), of West Milford NJ, born in Sandy Springs, GA, died November 7, 2013 at the young age of 91. A graduate of the Draughon School of Commerce, her career began as an executive secretary for Beaumont and Hohman Advertising in Atlanta, GA and continued for Alan B. DuMont of DuMont Television Laboratories in Passaic, NJ. A serendipitous visit to Lawson General Hospital to visit wounded soldiers on Christmas Eve 1943, during WWII, led to her meeting and falling in love with Robert Carl Kogan, a resident of Passaic, NJ. Sad to leave her beloved state of Georgia, but excited to begin her journey alongside her loving husband, Thelma Deane migrated to his home state. It was there in Fair Lawn where they raised their beloved children Kathleen Ann (husband Anthony) Graziano and Robert Tyra (wife Suzanne) Kogan and lived until Robert's retirement in 1986. Robert then kept his promise to take her back to Georgia, this time to the city of Smyrna, where they lived out their retirement amongst family and friends until Robert's death in 1987. Thelma Deane returned to New Jersey in 2000 and resided in West Milford, close to her children and grandchildren. Thelma Deane is the loving Grandmother of Elizabeth (Greg) Reilly, Gina (Robert) Hempton, Esther (Robert) Van Riper, John (Kelly) Graziano, Amy and Christopher Kogan. She is also Great Grandmother of Maxwell, Joshua and Caitlin Reilly, Lucas and Morgan Hempton, Tyson Van Riper and Scarlett Deane Graziano. She was a lifelong member of the "Magnificent Seven" the close knit group of siblings consisting of loving sisters Ileen Terrell (d) (Fred (d)), Dorothy Johnson (Bob (d)), Murl Darby (Ed), Barbara Ann Stewart (Billy (d)), and adoring brothers Arthur (d) and Ralph Beavers (d). Also survived by her beloved dog Bonnie. Always to be seen with her beautiful smile, and a lap dog clinched tightly in her arms, she was a true beauty in life and in spirit. Her unique blend of Southern charm and North Jersey grit was truly appreciated by all who knew her. She will be greatly missed by those of us fortunate enough to have crossed her path. Rest in Peace beautiful Thelma Deane. Visitation Sunday, November 10 from 1-5 pm at the Oakland Memorial Home, Oakland, NJ. Funeral service begins at Castellaw Funeral Home, Smyrna, GA, at 11 am on November 16. Burial at Georgia Memorial Park Cemetery, Marietta, GA. For Additional information, condolences and directions please visit Oaklandmemorial.com