Life Story for
Delores Johnston Cahen
DJ Cahen, a resident of Sun Valley, Idaho, passed away Jan. 29, 2016, at home in Centennial, Colo., surrounded by her family and caregivers.
Delores Johnston Cahen was born in Baton Rouge, La., on July 21, 1929, to parents Wallace Glen Dewey and Ellye James Johnston. She grew up in Baker, La., and graduated from the Baton Rouge School of Nursing. She moved to New Orleans for her nursing career, where she soon met the love of her life, Irvin Cahen M.D. They were married Oct. 20, 1955. DJ and Irv raised their two children in New Orleans, La., and Sun Valley, Idaho.
In September 1977, they moved to Sun Valley. Irv had his orthopedic practice and DJ began her next career. With her good taste and contagious optimism, she and two friends bought the old Campbell House on East Avenue north and opened The Picket Fence. DJ owned and expanded the store for 29 years, turning her love of beautiful fine linens into a successful business.
DJ was happiest when she was with her family and friends. Whether she was organizing cookouts up North Fork or Prairie Creeks, picnics to Redfish Lake, hosting the original summer golf party, the String Tournament, or traveling with Irv and her children, DJ’s generous heart and spirit guaranteed memories for a lifetime.
She is survived by her daughter, Delvin Cahen Ash (Joe), and son, Craig Irvin Cahen (Lynn); her granddaughters, Corinne Cahen Ekle (Bryson), Courtney Elyse Cahen and Logan Catherine Ash; her sister, Kathleen Johnston Nolan; and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Irvin Cahen M.D.; her parents; her brother, James Wallace Johnston; and grandson, Tanner Irvin Ash.
Interment and reception are being planned for this summer in Sun Valley, Idaho.
In lieu of flowers, her request was that donations be sent to Hospice of the Wood River Valley, P.O.
Box 4320, Ketchum, ID 83340.