Inez M. Kahn Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

INEZ MARGARET KAHN Inez Margaret Hanson arrived in Chicago, Illinois on October 30, 1914, the second child and only daughter of Ella and Oscar (OJ) Hanson. She was beautiful, talented and smart. She loved music and was a vocal soloist, pianist and member of her church choir. She was an athlete, excelling at tennis, basketball, swimming and golf. She graduated from the Gregg Business College in Chicago and was immediately hired as Executive Secretary for the President of The Prudential Insurance Company. She loved her job, the excitement of the city, the fabulous clothes, and the many who would become her life-long friends. In 1938, a distinguished lady Inez knew at the Trinity Methodist Church, introduced her to her nephew, a handsome, lanky artist from Kansas - Alvin Kahn. On August 24, 1940, Inez and Alvin were married in that same church. Their first home was a small apartment where they had their first two children, Valerie Alice and Gregory Alvin. Alvin worked as an Art Director for Zenith Radio, while Inez cared for their two young children. In 1946, they bought their own home in Maywood and welcomed two more children, Stephen George and Cynthia Lee. The home became family reunion central for parents, sisters and brothers, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and neighbors. And in 1951 Alvin began recording it all on his new Bell and Howell movie camera. In 1954, Alvin and Inez must have felt adventurous because they moved the family, along with Inez’s parents Ella and Oscar, to Albuquerque, New Mexico for Alvin’s new job as Art Director for an engineering company with government/military contracts. This was an exciting time. The family enjoyed a membership in the Air Force Officer’s Club. Inez remained busy with church, bridge, her job as a legal secretary, and creating their beautiful new home among tumbleweeds. In 1958, the family, along with Ella and Oscar, moved to Los Angeles, finally settling in La Habra. Alvin became a partner in the John van Barneveld Advertising Agency in Santa Ana. The Kahn house was a busy place. Inez and Alvin finished raising their four children until the last one left home in 1981. Inez worked as Executive Secretary for the Vice President of Alpha Beta Stores. In the 1970s, Inez and Alvin started an antique business, specializing in dolls, pottery, glassware and clocks. Inez always believed in serving her community. She was President of the La Habra Women’s Club and chaired numerous committees. From 1993 until 2014, she was an active member of PEO (Philanthropic Educational Organization), established to support women’s education in 1869. Alvin and Inez were married for 70 years. They had four children, six grandchildren and six great grandchildren. All are living and several are here today. During the past five years Inez’s health failed, but she remained a force to be reckoned with – feisty, sharp, opinionated, generous and loving. But she missed her Alvin and told everyone how much she looked forward to being together again. On October 30, 2014, Inez celebrated her 100th birthday with over 30 close family members and friends. Her extemporaneous speech was clear, strong and wise: “…we take so much for granted today, but I really, really know that those we love are the important ones… I’ve had a wonderful life, a wonderful husband, four wonderful and healthy children… I am so grateful.” Rest in peace, Inez Margaret. You made an indelible mark upon the world. You will forever remain in our hearts.

Tributes

Inez M. Kahn

October 30, 1914 - February 7, 2015