Fanny Cohen Cava, 85, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 11, 2013 surrounded by her family. Born in Milan, Italy in 1927, to a prosperous family of Turkish Jews, she had five brothers with whom she shared a tumultuous childhood fleeing persecution in Europe. The family settled in Miami Beach, where Fanny met the young doctor, Edward Cava, whom she married in 1947. Fanny’s true calling was to be an unparalleled loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend, while her innate instinct for real estate opportunities continued until the very end. Her home was always filled with family and friends, both lifelong and recently met, enjoying her legendary cooking and trying to understand how to make the delicious food that she always said was “so easy” to prepare.

Survived by her children, Anita, Robert and Daniella Levine, Richard, and Michael Northrop, as well as her four beloved grandchildren, Eliza (Rachel) Cava, Laura (Jakub) Northrop, Ted Cava and Emily Northrop, her brother Mario Cohen, and many nieces, nephews, and close family too many to mention, many of whom made special efforts to brighten her days with frequent visits. Fanny was also blessed with a close circle of lifelong friends who visited her often in the home she shared for two years with Rob and Daniella.

In December Fanny’s family and friends came together to forever honor Fanny with a Kristi House hand print in plaster that will hang on the walls of the Children’s Advocacy Center. Fanny was a survivor of child sexual abuse who did not tell anyone her story until age 65. She and her family started the Fanny Cava Fund at Kristi House to help children know that their story is believed and that it is not their fault. Her deep love and selfless devotion to her children, grandchildren, and friends is a priceless legacy for us all. She will be always loved and deeply missed. Donations in her memory can be made online or by sending a check to Kristi House, 1265 NW 12 Avenue, Miami, FL 33136.