Gail A. Cahen

Gail Annette Cahen was born on January 24th, 1938. The oldest of four sisters, Gail enjoyed teaching her younger siblings about games, tumbling, and fashion. She grew up in the gracious brick home at 900 Hiland Avenue in Coraopolis.

Gail’s mother was Eleanor Collins Cahen, a talented sculptor. Gail’s father was Leonard Cahen, owner of Cahen’s Store for Men. Gail loved working at the store with her father. During her time at Cahen’s, Gail worked with Betty Marion from New York City to expand Cahen’s to include a Children’s Store. From Betty, Gail gained a love for and understanding of the fashion world.

At Coraopolis High School, Gail participated in Future Homemakers of America and the Girls’ Athletic Association. She made wonderful friends with whom she stayed close for many years: Jackie Vaccaro, Barbie Lowe, Shirley Badger, and Pat Tenner.

After high school, Gail majored in Home Economics at Syracuse University. She enjoyed working as a camp counselor during the summers. Thanksgiving was a big reunion every year with all the girls back in Coraopolis for a feast, fellowship, and of course shopping in Pittsburgh!

Gail worked as a buyer and merchandiser at Gimbal’s, Best & Co, and other fashion giants. She lived in Manhattan and in Florida. The highlight of her career was starting her own clothing line in New York City with a business partner. During her time in New York, Gail often invited her sisters, nieces, and nephews to visit. Gail was a wonderful hostess, treating her guests to fine food, theatre, and Circle Line tours of the city.

Later in her career, Gail moved back to the Pittsburgh area. She sold jewelry at Littman’s and other local stores with great success. Jewelry was another family business, going back several generations on the Reichblum side of the family in Wheeling, West Virginia.

Gail loved book lectures, exploring restaurants, opera, and theatre. She will be greatly missed by her three sisters: Nan Wolfson (Stanley), of Laguna Woods, California; Lee Huntington (Jeffrey), of Yellow Springs, Ohio; and Kitty Isaacs (Howard) of Albany, New York; and their families. Arrangements will be made by Copeland Funeral Home in Coraopolis. No service is planned.

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