Edith Kohn, philanthropist

Edith Kohn, 93, of Center City, a philanthropic leader in Philadelphia's arts and cultural life for more than a quarter of a century, died Sunday, Sept. 7, at home.

Mrs. Kohn was married to Harold E. Kohn, a Philadelphia antitrust lawyer, for more than 50 years until his death in 1999. With him, and later alone, she underwrote causes such as the performing arts, historic preservation, education, health care, and women's rights.

Disarmingly soft-spoken and gentle, Mrs. Kohn could nonetheless be determined in pursuing her goals.

She liked to help the needy with scholarships and to fund organizations that were starting out or struggling financially. Mrs. Kohn favored new programs that brought together various interests to pursue a common mission; she also believed in rehabilitating existing structures rather than building new facilities.

She was a volunteer, supporter, and board member of the Wilma Theater, Arden Theatre Company, American Swedish Historical Museum, Philadelphia Young Playwrights, Planned Parenthood-Southeastern Pennsylvania, NARAL, and the Academy of Vocal Arts, Philadelphia.

Over the years, she received many awards for her commitment and generosity, including from the

American Swedish Historical Museum and from Young Playwrights.

She was born in Lakeland, Fla., a child of the Great Depression. The family moved often as her father, an operating engineer, sought work. Eventually, the family moved to Philadelphia.

Mrs. Kohn was working as a legal secretary for Douglas Paxson, one of the founders of Dilworth Paxson L.L.P., when she caught the eye of Harold Kohn, then a young lawyer in the firm.

The Kohns married and moved to Chester County in 1953 to raise their children. A busy member of the Tredyffrin/Easttown School District PTA, she led efforts to enhance music and art programs and to bring live professional performances into the schools.

She loved gardening. A whiz at the art of Japanese flower arranging, she became president of the Philadelphia chapter of Ikebana International.

After their children graduated from high school, the Kohns moved to Center City, becoming members of the Friends of Washington Square and Friends of Rittenhouse Square.

"They were always looking for ways to improve their neighborhoods, and for charitable organizations that needed assistance," said their son, Joseph C.

Mrs. Kohn loved to read and travel.

In addition to her son, she is survived by daughters Lee Glanton, Amy Goldberg, and Ellen, and eight grandchildren.

Burial is private. Plans for a memorial were pending.

Donations in her name may be made to the American Swedish Historical Museum, 1900 Pattison Ave., Philadelphia 19145.