Obituary of Charlene Cosman

COSMAN – L. Charlene of Northport, New York on May 20, 2021 after a life of service to her Lord Jesus and her community. Born to Dieter and Susanne Cosman, Charlene majored in Medieval Studies at Princeton University, where she was a founder of The Katzenjammers, the first co-ed collegiate a cappella singing ensemble in the United States. After receiving a Master of Business Administration from Columbia University, she returned to the family businesses, Oak Tree Farm Dairy and Dairy Barn Stores, eventually becoming their Chief Financial Officer. As a member of First Presbyterian Church of Northport, she served as an Elder, sang in the Chancel Choir, directed the Westminster Choir for youth, chaired both the Pastor Nominating Committee and the Building Renovation Campaign, among many other contributions to congregational life. Charlene devoted nearly 40 years to the ministry of the Long Island chapter of Youth for Christ, first as a student participant, then as a volunteer including thirteen years as chair of LIYFC's board of directors. As a dedicated fan and season-ticket holder of the New York Mets, Charlene was gracious in victory and valiant in defeat. She reveled in travelling the world, particularly via cruise ship. In 2016, Charlene was diagnosed with Multiple System Atrophy, a rare, progressive, and debilitating condition. She faced this challenge with faith, hope, charity, courage and humor. Charlene was predeceased by her parents and her brother, Douglas; she is survived by her siblings Kathleen (Charles) Nitabach and Edgar Cosman, her sister-in-law Maren Cosman, and her nieces and nephews Henry Ruppel, Jack Nitabach, Alex Cosman, and Ava Cosman. Charlene is also survived by a coterie of friends from every portion of her many-faceted life, all of whom are grateful for the love she shared to the end of her days, including her beloved dachshund Gunther. A memorial service at First Presbyterian Church of Northport will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Visiting Nurse Service/Hospice House (visitingnurseservice.org) or the Multiple System Atrophy Coalition (multiplesystematropthy.org)