Stephanie (Shelly) Michelle Whidden, a respected attorney and cherished family member, passed away on **November 30, 2025**, at the age of 66. Born on **October 5, 1959**, in Oakland, California, she was the eldest daughter of Stephen and Marie Whidden, a role she embraced throughout her life. Known for her warmth and determination, Shelly leaves behind a legacy that touched many lives.
Shelly’s early years were marked by academic and athletic achievements. She graduated from **Berkeley High School**, where she served as managing editor of the award-winning **Jackets** newspaper. Additionally, she was a competitive member of the all-city tennis and swim teams. Her passion for learning led her to the **University of California, Berkeley**, where she earned an undergraduate degree and spent her junior year studying at the **University of Poitiers** in France, igniting a lifelong love for travel.
Inspired by her grandfather, **Earl M. Ripley**, a well-respected lawyer in San Francisco, Shelly pursued a career in law. She graduated early from high school and college, attending the **University of San Francisco** School of Law. To support herself, she worked as an ice cream maker at **Botts Ice Cream** in Berkeley, earning her pay by the gallon.
Shelly’s journey took an unexpected turn when she sustained an injury during a ski trip in the **Catskill Mountains**. While recovering, she decided to study for the New York State Bar, eventually relocating to the Hudson Valley. It was there that she fell in love with the natural beauty of **Ulster County** and made it her home.
Throughout her legal career, Shelly was a member of both the California and New York Bar Associations. She established her practice in historic uptown **Kingston, NY**, where she served as a trusted lawyer, advisor, and friend to many for decades. As part of **Howard C. St. John and Associates** from 1986 until the mid-1990s, she handled various legal matters across eight Hudson Valley counties. After starting her own firm, she specialized in complex real estate and estate cases, often taking on challenging cases referred by other attorneys.
Shelly’s commitment to her community extended beyond her practice. She was appointed by the **New York State Appellate Court** to oversee guardianships in Ulster County, fulfilling her responsibilities with care and integrity.
An avid nature enthusiast, Shelly found solace in the outdoors, often running, cycling, hiking, and gardening. Her home, nestled along the **Ashokan Reservoir**, was a sanctuary she cultivated alongside her husband, **Mitchell Cohen**, and their beloved Rhodesian Ridgebacks. Their extensive gardens reflected her passion for nature and contributed to the beauty of their shared space.
Shelly’s unwavering determination was evident in every aspect of her life, from being the first female ice cream maker in Berkeley to becoming one of the few women attorneys in her area. Her relentless pursuit of goals exemplified her tenacity and fearlessness.
She is survived by her husband, Mitchell Cohen; her mother, **Carol Marie Whidden**; her brother, **Gregory Scott Whidden**, and his wife, Neatha Curry Whidden; her sister, **Shauna Marie Whidden**; her nephews Steen Whidden and Ansel Schulze; and her great-nephews, Jayden and Preston Whidden. She was preceded in death by her father, **J.R. Whiteagle**, and her brother, **Stephen Huse Whidden**.
Shelly was more than a family member; she was a guiding light, a beacon of unwavering commitment and love. Her kindness, compassion, and brilliance left an indelible mark on everyone who knew her. A tribute to her life can be found at **www.KeyserFuneralService.com**, where friends and family can share memories and condolences.
A celebration of Shelly’s life is scheduled for **February** in New York and **March** in California. Her ashes will be interred at **Mountain View Cemetery** in Oakland. In honor of Shelly, contributions may be made to the **Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center** in New York at giving.mskkcc.org. Her legacy will continue to inspire those she touched throughout her remarkable life.